By fe-Ehen Kidd

 

~ Photo by The Detroit News

Dr. James Naismith invented basketball
in 1890 and refused to have it called Nai-
smith ball when the question of a title
came up the next year. A cheerful, bright-
eyed chap, he went to school all his life,
got himself a half-dozen degrees. Some-
where along the line, the press got the
idea that his non-existent middle initial
was “A.” Naismith’s reply to this, typical
of his wit, was that he couldn’t figure out
what it stood for unless it was “anony-
mous.”

 

This picture was posed by the Springfield college basketball team of 1942, and all the
players probably had raging nightmares for a long time afterwards. As far as can be
ascertained, every foul in the modern rule book is being committed in this picture, and
it becomes a deep mystery how the first players survived from season to season to pass
the art of the game along to younger and less crippled men. The gentleman wearing the
handle-bars and the leer, standing on the step-ladder, is saddled with the responsibility
of retrieving the ball when, if ever, the players manage to drop it in the suspended peach
basket. He was not allowed to participate in the game actively, but, from time to time,
probably kicked, swatted or otherwise maimed his opponents from his high vantage

point. Brass knuckles were out, though.

HE TALL, lean red-head dribbled

the ball on place to kill time as

his eyes darted about the court
searching for a teammate in the clear.
Then he caught sight of Saunders—
streaking down the court toward the
basket with not a State man covering
him. High over his opponents’ heads
Red sent the ball twirling into the
outstretched hands of the crack shot
of the team. Saunders seized the ball
and in one motion sent it sailing to-
ward the backboard and right into
the old peach basket to win the game

for his alma mater as the final gun
sounded.

Right into the old peach basket.
And that’s what it was—literally—
in the early days of basketball. When
Dr. James Naismith originated the
gamé in 1890 while he was an instruc-
tor at the YMCA college in Spring-
field, Massachusetts, he asked for two
boxes, 18 by 18 inches. Instead the
building superintendent brought him
two half-bushel peach baskets.

They served the purpose, but they
were soon replaced by a net basket
 

This is the first basketball team, posed on
the steps of the Springfield college gym-
nasium in 1892. In the center row, wear-
ing civilian clothes, is Dr. James Naismith,
the gent who started the whole thing.
Notice that this nine-man team carried
its own baskets. Also notice that seven of
the nine men wear lush adornments on
their stiff upper lips. What team today
could boast of such manliness?

which was similar to the goal as we
know it today—without the hole in
the bottom. Somehow it just didn’t
occur to anyone to make an open net,
permitting the ball to drop through.

In the very earliest days, no basket-
ball game was complete without an
adjunct to the team to perform ser-
vices similar to the water boy’s on the
football team and the bat boy’s on a
baseball team. He was the agile little
fellow who was stationed in the gal-
lery behind the backboard or on a
ladder beside the basket, all set to
retrieve the ball after it hit the mark
and fell into the goal.

When net baskets were introduced,

Here are Monsanto’s representatives in the Nitro Indus-
trial Basketball league; left to right, John McClain, Pilot
Plant supervisor; Wally Dinsmore, Research chemist;
Charley Marshall, Control lab; Joe Osborne, Engineer-
ing department; Jim Roark, Control lab; and Earl Coop-
er, Production department. Dave Frazier, A. L. Jordan,
Ralph Smith, and Homer Hudnall, all of the Production
department, were not able to be present when the pic-

ture was taken.

 

they, like their peachy predecessors,
had no outlet at the bottom. Instead,
a chain-gadget was attached which,
when pulled, released the ball from
the bulging trap. Not until 1905 did
goals with open nets come into popu-
lar use.

An attempt to find an invigorating
indoor game to relieve the monotony
of mid-winter school calisthenics re-
sulted in Naismith’s invention of bas-
ketball. He was interested in building
“the tall, agile, graceful and expert
athlete’’ and he believed that a sport
which combined the elements of speed
and coordination such as are required
in his new game would fulfill that aim.
He felt that he could produce a happy
medium between the ‘‘massive, mus-
cular man...and the cadaverous
greyhound.”’

Any number of men up to 50 could
play on each side in those early days,
the size of the team being limited only
by the size of the playing field. It was
not long, however, until it became
obvious that such an abundance of
players cluttered the court and pre-
vented any display of skill or of organ-
ized teamwork. The number was re-
duced to nine, then to five.

The first game was played with nine
men on a team, simply because there
were 18 in Naismith’s gym class at the
YMCA, and everybody wanted toplay.

Another oddity of the game in its
original form was its scheme for
setting the ball into motion. An ofh-
cial tossed the ball into the center of
the court from the sidelines and all
members of the two teams rushed for
it from their respective ends of the
field. This melee was quickly modi-
fied to the toss-up.

The first game, played in a gym
class, was a far cry from the accurate,
speedy contest as it was in the Olym-
pic games in Berlin in 1936, when Dr.
Naismith saw his game played for the
first time in international Olympic
competition. The National Associ-
ation of Basketball Coaches raised
funds to send the inventor to Europe
for that momentous occasion, and it
marked the first time that Naismith
made a penny out of basketball.

It is now an international sport,
played in more than 60 countries,
including Hawaii, where as many as
434 teams are organized on the Island
of Maui, population only 48,000. Al-
though it has not received the pro-

Monsanto has its basketball teams, too, and this John F. Queeny plant
team is made up of 12 good men and true. They are, first row, from left
to right, R. J. Gillon, Time office; Wally Stanton, Analytical lab; Ted
Fancher, Mechanical department; Will Allen, Operating department;
Don Sarter, chemist at Monsanto, Illinois; S. W. Hemmen, Operating
department; Bob Nellums, Analytical lab; and Ken Lindley, Operating
department; second row, Glen “Red” Robinson, Operating department;
Jack Vahle, Mechanical department; Will Reed, Analytical lab; Bruce

Merrifield, Analytical lab; and Will Werder, Accounting department.

 
fessional popularity which is accorded
baseball, it is by far the most popular
sport played in high schools through-
out the country. The Midwestern
conference can honestly boast that
98.9 per cent of the high schools in
that area support basketball teams.

In 1941 a golden jubilee of basket-
ball was held in Springfield, the place
of its origin. At that time a campaign
was initiated in which funds were
raised to construct a Temple of Basket-
ball. It will someday stand in Spring-
field, immortalizing Dr. Naismith,
and acting as the permanent shrine of
All-America teams, past, present and
future.

James Naismith had another “‘first’’

 

to his credit. As center on the Spring-
field college football team, he enlisted
the aid of the girl who later became
Mrs. Naismith to concoct what be-
came the earliest forerunner of the
present-day football headgear. She
sewed together several thicknesses of
cotton flannel into a cap-like device
designed to protect his ears rather
than prevent shock.

He unwittingly made still another
important contribution to football.
Basketball’s forward pass gave the
football rules committeemen some-
thing to think about, and when Amer-
ican colleges became wholeheartedly
interested in basketball about 1905,
football was quick to recognize the

advantages of a play that would put
speed in its game.

The remarkable popularity of bas-
ketball is perhaps due chiefly to its
adaptability. It requires only the sim-
plest of equipment, very little prepara-
tion, and a minimum of cash. But not
only is it popular with the players, it
is also well liked by spectators. It has
been estimated that basketball plays
to more than go million people an-
nually. The game is easily compre-
hended, speedy, exciting to watch.
Many spectators prefer it to football
and baseball because they may sit
close to the playing court and thus
easily recognize each player and see
each play.

Monsanto Chemicals in the Game

Metal Ring
— Pickling Acids, etc.

Net on Basket
— Kier Boiling Chemicals, etc.

Uniforms (Rayon)

— Dye Intermediates, Caustic Soda,
Acetic Acid, etc.

Laundry Chemicals and

Medicinals

Basketball

— Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Sulfhy-
drate, Santotan, Wetting Agents,
Rubber Chemicals

Rubber Sole Shoes,
Canvas Shoes

— Accelerators, Antioxidants, Mer-
chlor Bleach, etc.

Socks (Wool)

— Sulfuric Acid, Aluminum Chloride,
etc.

Floor, Wood Backboard Paints

— Oil Soluble Phenolics, Phthalic
Anhydride, Maleic Anhydride,
Carbon Blacks, Plasticizers, Sol-
vents, etc.
It is sad, but true, that many people will
not believe in things they cannot see and
touch. And because they do not believe,
they can never see and must spend their
lives in a semi-darkness unilluminated by
the sparkling, dancing creatures who are
the perpetual delight of children. Some
grown-ups can see them, but few, very
few. These incredulous, unbelieving peo-
ple laugh at the mention of the Never-
Never Land, simply because they cannot
see it and cannot go there. Perhaps most
of these people have never been to London,
either. Are they svre there is such a place?
This is a simple story, and it actually hap-
pened this way. Believe it or not, as you
will.

this is an extremely personal nar-

trative and you'll be seeing a lot of
the first person singular from now on.
It’s extremely personal because it con-
cerns only me, Gwa O'Rourke and
some of his pals.

Most writers, when they’re con-
fronted with the problem of telling
of events in a vague limbo-land where
men are seldom permitted to travel,
can fall back on those convenient arti-
fices of the trade and begin their sto-
ries, ‘‘I fell into a deep troubled sleep
in which wind sounds and night and
strange forms were all inextricably
mixed, and when I awoke—.”’

I’m afraid I can’t handle Gwa
O’Rourke that way, because the first
time I saw him he was working hard
in the cold light of a normal day in a
place far removed from fantasy and
hazy dreams—I saw him in our re-
search laboratories in St. Louis on one
busy afternoon while chemists were
busily engaged in cracking apart an-
other tough problem. Gwa was ener-
getically ladling acid out of a beaker
and dumping it into another beaker,
thereby effectively ruining an impor-
tant experiment.

Now, I want it understood that I
believe in leprechauns and pixies and
elves and fairies, both good and bad,
ot I never would have seen Gwa that
day. No one else saw him. And except
for the fact that Gwa had a slight ac-
cident just then I never would have
known him. Little people can be just
as stupid and clumsy as we, and,

T THE first place, let me warn you—

16

9) ae

The Story of the Ageless Elves that

Haunt the Chemical Industry

knowing this, I was not too surprised
when Gwa leaned over the edge of the
acid beaker to see how much more
acid he could ladle out, and slipped.
His feet went up and his head went
down and he hung precariously over
the edge of the beaker, unable to fall
either in or out and helpless to move
although he worked frantically with
his hands and feet against the slick-
ness of the glass walls. His benzene
ring middle held him on one side,
while his jack-knifed spindly legs
held him on the other, and his round
bottom agitated from side to side in
his panic. Even chemlins don’t like to
bathe in acid.

I plucked him off his glassy perch,
put him in my pocket and retired to
my office to examine my find. I put
him down on the desk pad and he sat
down heavily, clutching his stomach
and breathing heavily. When he had
recovered, he looked at me, got to his
feet, and walked to the edge of the
desk. He looked over, shivered at the
sight of the drop before him, and
walked to the other side. There was
no way off, so he resignedly settled
down behind my books to wait for
something to happen. I whistled softly
and his head popped out from behind
the dictionary, then popped back
again.

“Hey, you!’’ I called, ‘“‘you behind
that book! I can see you, you know, so
come on out and let’s have a look at

by Johnny Keen

you.’’ With my thumb and forefinger
I pinched his jacket and pulled him
out. That convinced him and he be-
came formal and dignified. He removed
his cap and bowed as gracefully as his
generous mid-section would permit.

“Sikronik,’’ he said, “‘fir mutsim
copignatom gihuit dif, Gwa O’Rourke
kilamerd li.’” He bowed again and
replaced his cap.

‘“Gormanig gif,’’ I replied, “‘hirtufid
mi lert gasthutiss, le Johnny Keen
firsignen.”’

We stared at each other in astonish-
ment. I had understood him, and,
what’s more, had replied well enough
for him to understand me. He had
said, literally, “‘Bare-head-to-you, to
me is acid killing stuff from which you
kindly took, Gwa O’Rourke now be-
comes sun-to-plant.’’ I had replied,
‘““Water-to-mist, high is low, broad is
wide, from Johnny Keen goes thank-
fulness.’” He had greeted me, then
thanked me for saving his life and
pledged his friendship and eternal
service, and I had replied, ‘‘Forget it,
pal, it’s all the same to me, glad to do
itany time...

From then on, we were friends, and
for the next few weeks Gwa traveled
with me and initiated me in the fine
art of chemlinology. He told me an-
cient stories, for his people are as old
as the world, and we spent many long
hours together just talking of many
things. When we went on the road he

MONSANTO

 
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THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED MECHANICS
LAWRENCE, KANSAS

December 9
1939

Doctor Forrest C. Allen
Department of Physical Education
University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Doctor Allen:

I have heard some rather vague rumors to the effect that
a movement might be initiated looking toward a suitable
memorial for Doctor James Naismith, and a field house for
K.U. was mentioned as a possibility. Nothing could be
more appropriate, of course; but to ask the students, fac-
ulty end alumni of the University for $400,000 or $500,000
under present conditions would require considerable temer-
ity. It is likely, however, that there are thousands of
persons in the United States not associated with K.U. who
would contribute to such a memorial. Why not make it a
nation-wide drive? The idea is intriguing, at least.
Perhaps it is already being considered; whether or no, I
believe it is worth full attention.

Cordially yours,

 

RE

Frank L. Brown
Professor of Applied
Mechanics

 
 

 

Dr. James Neiemith

Dr. James Naismith, who 48 years ago gave the game of basket-
ball to the world, wrote a book in 1918 that had the title of "The
Basis of Clean Living". Those five words characterized the life
of the 78-year old professor emeritus of physical education at the
University of Kansas, who retired from active teaching duty in 1937
after 40 years of “building character in the hearts of young men"
at Kelle

Drs Naismith, who at the ons of eight was left an orphan, was
born in Altmonte, Canada, on Nov. 6, 1861. After making his home
with an uncle, he went to MeGill University in Montreal, Canada, and
graduated with an A.B. degrée in 1887. This was the first of his -
three degrees. In 1890 he graduated from Presbyterian College, in
1891 he received his master of physical education degree from Y.M.C.A,
College in Springfield, Mass., ami in 1898 he earned his doctor of

medicine degree from Colorado University.

Dr. Naismith married Miss Maude E. Sherman of Springfield, Wass.,
in 1894. Three daughters and two sons, @ll of whom live in the
middlewestern area of the U. S., were born to the marriage. Mrs.
Neismith died in March, 1937.

‘Dr. Naismith, also prepared for the ministry, but never, as he
said, preached @ sermon in his life. At least, not directly. His
seenen of clean living was delivered indirectly through teaching
young men to love clean athletics. Neigher did Dr. Naismith practice
medicine, although he was a member of the Kansas Medical Association.

 

ee er eee Rn. Bis Fs" Wei ES gay Sh in. aha

 
 

 

 

Four jobs in physical education occupied Dr. Neismith's career. |
From 1887 to 1890 he was director at McGill, from 1890 to 1895 he
directed the work at Springfield Y.N.C.A., and from 1895 to 1898 he
was director at the Denver YiN.C.A., ami in 1898 he came to the
University of Kansas. Here he served 40 years.

Military service during the World Yar inclided four months ser-
vice in 1916 with the Firet Kansas regiment, ani 19 months with the
YeM.CsA. in France from 1917 to 1919. ?

Dr. Naismith was a member of the following organizations: Society
of Directors of Physical Education in Kansas Colleges, Kanses State
Medical Association, National Association of Physical Education,
Kansas Association of Physical Education (president), Pi Gamma Mu,
Sigma Phi Epsilon, Internstionel Basketball Federation (honorary
president), Basketball Coaches Association (honorary president),
Basketball Rules Committee (honorary cheirman and life member), Pres-
byterian Church, and Masonic Lodge.

The game of basketball was originated in 1891 by Dr. Naismith
at the Springfield YoMeCoAs to fill the need of a winter sport. Two
old peach baskets, a ball, and 15 rules were the original equipment |
of the game which has spread around the world and was played in the
1956 Olympic games in Berlin.

Besides many magazine articles, Dr. Naismith wrote three books: —
“Basketball Rules", 1891; "The Modern High School" (section on Ath-
leties); 1911; "The Basis of Clean Living", 1918.

"Phe happiest moment" of his life, Dr. Naismith said, came in
1936 when he attended the Olympic games in Berlin and saw the game

 

 
 

af

of basketball played for the first time in the international com-
petition. “The father of basketball" was sent te Berlin following

a national drive for fumis by spectators, officials, and players who
wanted to have Dr. Naismith present when the teams of all nations
filed in behind flags of their countries. Dr. Naismith addressed the
assembled players before the start of the tournament--and, he said
later, his eyes were misty. :

‘In the spring of 1939 Dr. Naismith and Mrs. Florende Kincaid,
for many years a housemother for Sigma Phi Epsilon at K.U., were
married «

Dr. Naismith's children are Mrs. Thomas L. Daw, of Topeka, Mrs.
Le He Dodd of St. Louis, Wrs. George B. Stanley of Pueblo, Colo.,
John Edwin Naismith, of Topeka, and James Sherman Naismith of Dallas. —

Dr. Naismith was first stricken 111 on Sunday night, Nov. 19, _
at his home on University Drive. He made a remarkable recovery from
effects of the cerebral hemorrage and was released from the hospital

to return to his home on Wednesday, Nove 22. A relapse in his con- |
dition came Thursday, and he died on Nov. 28, 1939, 7

 
Paes ae

1206 E. Jefferson
Bloomington, Illinois
October 29, 1940

Mr. Forrest Allen, Director
Physical Education and Recreation
University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Mre Allens

Thank you for your letter of October 18. I hope that your schedule will
permit you to stop off at Bloomington in November. Perhaps we could
get a few of the Kansas alumni together. I only know two or three
myself, but the alwmi secretary might be able to give me the names of
others who live in or near Bloomington. I kmow that Mr. Young will be
mighty glad to see you, too.

I believe that such a memorial as we discussed should be more than just

a gymasium. I think that it should incorporate all the features of an
ultra-modern basketball gymnasium, but in addition to this, should have a
section devoted to basketball history, early equipment, etc. Obviously
much of this which was used during the last half century is still
available, but it will not remain available indefinitely.

I do not know the details of the Rules Committee set-up, but if this
could be built on the Kansas campus as a National Home for basketball,
it would have a strong appeal. It might be that offices of the Rules
Committee could be maintained there and meetings held there inasmuch
as it is a central point in the United States.

I talked with Mr. Lomberg over the telephone when in Chicago ea few
weeks ago. He was interested and his comment was favorable, but he
emphasized the fact that it would be a huge undertaking. Mr. Arch Ward
atithe TRIBUNE was out of town and Marvin McCarthy at the TIMES was busy
for the only time I had to go there was just ahead of press time.

Brick Young asked that I see Major Griffith, but I hesitated to do this
without knowing more of the official set-up and without having more
definite plans to outline.

I do not believe it would be hard to get major sports writers behind such
an undertaking, nor do I feel that leading basketball coaches would do
other than cooperate to the fullest extent.

Inasmuch as the year after the coming one is the fifieth anniversary of
basketball, it would be easy to have the game written up and featured
together with the Naismith Memorial in such magazines as COLLIERS, LIFE, etc.

 
Mr. Forrest Allen Page #2 October 29, 1940

No subject in the sports line would have a stronger appeal since I
understand that no other game is played by so large a number of people.
No other game is played at the season of the year when there is little
if enything else in the line of sports to detract from it.

I shall certainly appreciate the privilege of meeting you if you have

the opportunity to come to Bloomington, and I shall appreciate knowing

the thoughts of your Chancellor Deane W. Malott, and your Alumni Secretary,
Fred £llisworth.

Very 7 yours,

: Rs (iL

GFA: DLY

Si MP Al i MO Be i Ne ie Mig Te ES oe ste ES aps

 

 

 
 

e
i 2 ya a
ve Yo
| | et ar |
October 18, 1940 C= te Vv ve
el ar pi * ; e phe

lire Gel'e Aleott
1206 Ee Jofferson
Bloomingtoi, Tllinois

Dear ate Aleotts —

Your good letter of August 9 was aclnow inowledced by my sooretary,
So ee ee tee was away from the offi “oo
vacations ) 9) :

1 Jefe for the taiversity of Toms to teach a short sourse in
their basketball elinic there, then the following wook I was in Topelm,
Kansas with the Kansas State High Sehool Coaching Sehoole From there I went
to Lovisville and then to Chicago to attend a meeting of the National Cole
‘legiate Executive Committees “o wore — the National —
ee :

I enjoyed your letter very muche Sicistiticg ‘Chis alnie ‘Puediliy oak
I am wondering if that could be CeSs Parmenter. He wae a grand fellow. It
ee Se ee ee Serene SRE Eanes

"Twas happy indeed to hear from Brick Young and to Imow of your
association with Herbert "Scoop" Olsons ee ere on mr ene oan 8
was quite fond of him. ! 3

’.. I have some speaking ¢ sesintnestiel 10 ines wih Wiscumsin ee nets
part of Novembers if it is at all possible, en
by end see if we can have a conferences ae, aa

ik Wibeing wu yu doteewinien S) cu Guabilen uals &:
and our Alumi Secretary, Fred Elleworths I would like very much to get
their opinion on the Neismith Memorial ideas

You will hear from me in the event I ean mike counescticns.

Very cordially yours,

Director of ea), Education and Recreation
FCAslg Varsity Baske 1 Coach

 
August 9, 190

Dre Forrest C. Allen.,

Director of Physical Education.,
University of Kansas.

Lawrences, Kansas.

Dear Dr. Allen:
Thank you for your splendid letter of August 3rd.

Yes, your old friend, Brick Young is still here. He
is sports editor of the local paper, and does quite
a bit of service as a sport's official. He tells me
that in years past he has worked some of the Kansas-
Missouri games,

Mr. Young is one of. those with whom I have talked on

the subject. He feels that it is entirely possible, and
a worthy undertaking . He tells me that he can be counted
on for any publicity or service that he can render, Mr.
Young has quite a file on Dr. Naismith and the evolution
of basketball, and gives talks on the subject.

I have been gone much of the week, and will be in Chicago
a good portion of the coming week, However by the end of
that time I will have an opportunity to write you more

fully on my ideas and suggestions, for your consideration.

My wife worked as a secretary to a Baker faculty man, who
was secretary to the Kansas Conference while she was in
school. She handled the eligibility lists of players in
Kansas Conferente schools, and says that she recalls the
picture of the team you coached there.

While in school. one summer at Emporia, I roomed with an
ex-K,U, player, and I believe captain --Herbert "Scoop"
Olsen. He was assistant city engineer, and we were at the
Y.M.C.A. for the summer. I believe he married that fall,
but I do not know where he is now.

If he is in tow, I hope to get the opinion of Dutch
Lonberg while in Chicago next week.

Sincerely,

Ath ltekt—

Ge Fe Alcott.,
1206 E. Jefferson St.,
Bloomington, Illinois,
-*’

The youth at the sevid haw lost a great benefactor in Dre James Ned smith, the
father of basketball. Eighteen million young men all over the world are playing
his game of basketball which he originated for eighteen troublesme young men in a
class in Springfield, Masse, Y.MeCeAe College in 1891e Dre Naismith is directly
responsible for all the large field anne the large auditoria and gyime.sie where
basketball is played todaye Before this geme was originated there were few large
indoor arenas that were used for any indoor sports. Dotting the Middle Western
states ave Wah school grmmeia that are much larger in site than the entire school
buildings were 50 years agoe '

Dre Naismith is indirectly responsible for the forward pass in footballs

Until the popularity’ of basketball began to spring up in ‘the colleges of America in

1905, the forward pass in football wis not thought of. Then the football rules
committee incorporated the forward pass or basketball pass in football, and immediately
the open geme became the element that spread the defense. Basketball has become

_ footballized and football has became basketballized. ‘The forward pass of today is

a Naismith imnovetd oie today it is the most spectacular of all plays on our gride
irons.

Frederick Froebel gave to the world the theory of the kindergarten = education

through plays Dre Naismith gave to the youth basketball, a game that takes the

youngster from the eighth grade to maturity. I omce heard eight nationally Inom

educators spealing fran the same platform declare that basketball had all the qualities

y

necessary to teach the educable childs poise, rhytim, grace, coordination, develoyment
of skills and the develoyment of physical vigore ‘The speakers wére not competitive 3
éonshes nor were they athletes. This game, the only international gene that is the

product of one men's brain, stamps Dre Naismith as a great educator, & kindly humanitarian,

and a practical Christian.
He loved youths Ho and Alonso Stagg both working together chose the profession
of physical eduosti on ar the ministry, in which they were ordained, neeniane they could

do.more for youth, they Mien ‘The youth of the world will arise and all Dre Naismith
blessed. oe ce ne | apr ee oS
 

SS

Decenber 6, 1939s

Nadentith Su ce a inet mi dite thought —
a Z
te effect ma besutiful ant very inprecei vo.

and wil} take 4t up with lr. Pallomstien in the near
futures

Very sincerely yours,

oe ee ae and Recreation,
Varsity Basketball Coache 7 :

 
 
“He loved youth. He and Alonzo |
Stage working together chose the
profession of physical education over |
the ministry, in which they were |
ordained, because they could do|
more for youth, they thought. The}
youth of the world will arise and call |
Doctor Naismith blessed.”

Chancellor Deane W. Malott yes-|
terday made the following statement |
on the work and influence of Doctor |
Naismith:

“In behalf of the University of |
Kansas, I express sorrow at the|
death of Dr. James Naismith, pro-
fessor emeritus of physical educa- |
tion. Not only the University and
the state of Kansas, but the United
States and many nations of the world
as well, will feel the loss of this man
who set high standards of personal
clean living and was able to infuse
these same standards into the lives
of hundreds of young men. His]
contribution.to the athletic world of

the game of basketball will leave a
mark that even time cannot erase.”

A.B. From McGill
+ Doctor Naismith was the possessor
of three degrees. He received an
A.B. degree from McGill University
in Montreal in 1887, in 1891 he re-
ceived his master of physical educa-
tion degree from ¥.M.C.A. college in
Springfield, Mass. In 1898, he earned |
his doctor of medicine degree from
the University of Colorado.

Doctor Naismith married Miss
Maude E. Sherman of Springfield, |
Mass., in 1894. Three daughters and
two sons were born. Mrs. Naismith |
died in March, 1937.

Doctor Naismith, who at the age|
of eight was left an orphan, was)
born in Almonte, Ontario, Nov. 6, |
1861.

This spring, Doctor Naismith and
Mrs. Florence Kincaid, for many
years a housemother for Sigma Phi
Epsilon fraternity, were married.

 
 

Mareh 3, 1941

Mr. EB, Black
Bleck & Veatch
Consul ting Engineers
4706 Broadway
Kansas City, Missouri

Dear Mr. Black:

Thank you for your letter of February 14
enclosing the clipping from the Washington Evening Star.
We have placed the clipping on the bulletin board in
eur Varsity dressing room,

Yes, I agree with you that it is a pretty
rasty shame that the whiskey interest can chisel in
on a reputable and college sport to further their nefarious
business, | 4

Thanking you again for sending the clipping,
I am,

Sincerely yours,

Director of Physical Education and Recreation
Varsity Basketball Coach

FCAzlg

 
BLACK & VEATCH
E_B. BLACK CONSULTING ENGINEERS
N.T. VEATCH. UR.
4706 BROADWAY
KANSAS CITY, MO.

“ieee ee eee

_G. FOWLER

-D.THOMPSON
Cc. BREWSTER
E. LAWRENCE

P.LEARNED
F. BROWN

. DODD February 14, 1941
M.VEATCH

Ee ber

= ell

A.
ws
Cc.
F.
te

20

- Mr. Forrest C. Allen
Director of Physical Education and Recreation
Varsity Basketball Coach
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Mr. Allen:

Absence from Kansas City has prevented acknowledg-
ment of the receipt of your letter of February 4
about Dr. Burdick's opinion of the possibility of
preventing the use of Dr. Naismith's name and
reputation and college basketball generally, from
being the drawing card to liquor advertisements.

It seems to me that such practice is to be regretted
and I am sorry that nothing can be done to stop it.

In Washington the other evening I picked up a copy

of the Washington Evening Star, and was very much
pleased to see the center of the page write-up about
Engleman. I also noted the reference to "Coach Phog
Allen", and am attaching page Al3 of the February 13
issue of the Evening Star for whatever use you wish to
make of it.

With personal regards and best wishes, I am

 

EBB 3: ML
Encls.
Mrse Dawe was in the office this afternoon and
left word that certain angles have been presented
which makes it impossible for the Naismith family

to take away the privilege of the “Inter-Collegiate

Athletic Association" ‘ofter” the Dre James Naismith
Trophy in memory of Maude Naismith. She asked that
you do nothing further on this until she can talk

to youe She is leaving town (Topeka) tomorrow and

will be gone until Monday.

 
 

August 16, 1940

Your letter of August 9 addressed to
Dre Forrest Ce Allen arrived at his office after
he had left for the Wriversity of Temg,. He
expsets to be there until tomorrow, the 17th,
for a short basketball coaching clinics The -
following week he will be in Topelm for the
a ee ene eee

Ag soon @6 Dts Allen retums to the
office your letter will be brought to his attentions

Sincerely yours,

Secretary to Dre Be Ce Allen

 
Mre Ge re Aleott
1206 E. Jefferson Street
Bloomington, Tllinois

Dear Mire Alcott:

Your letter of August 9 addressed to
Dy. Forrest C. Allen arrived et his office after
he hed left for the University of Texes. He
expects to be there until tomorrow, the 17th,
for a short basketball coaching clinic. fhe
following week he will be in Topeka for the
Kensas High School Coaching School.

As goon as Dr. Allen returns to the
office your letter will be brought to his attention.

Sineerely yours,

Secretery to Dre Fe Ce Allen
 

 

Auguet 9, 1940

Dre Forrest Ce Allene, |
Director of Physics) fdueations,

University of Kensoes

Lawrenee, Kansas

Deer Dre Allen:
Thank you for your splendid letter of August Srd.

Yes, your: old friend, ‘Dpielk Young fie etill here. io
is sporte editor of the loeal paper, end does quite

® bit of servies es e sport's official. Me tells ne _
that in years past he hos worked some of the nese
Missouri games o

Mp, Young 1s one of theses with whan I hove ve talked on
the subject. Me feels thet it is entirely possible,
& worthy undertakings He tells me thet he ean be qounted
on for any publicity or service thet he can render. lire
Young has quite « file on Dre leiemith énd the evolution
oft basketball, and gives talks on the subject.

i have been gone much of the week, and will be in Chieage
& good portion of the coming week. Uowever by the ond of
that time I will have on opportunity te write you more

4

fully on my ideasund sugsestions, far your goneideretion. 5 i

My wife worked as ® sesretary to « Beker feculty man, who
was seeretery to the Kensas Géenference while she was in

eehool. She handled the cligibility lietsof players in

Kenses Conference scheele, and says that she reeslis the
ploture of the teem you eeached theres.

While in school one sumer at Emporia, I oust with en
oxeKele player, and I believe eaptaine-ferbert "Beoop"
Oleone He wes assistant eity enginser, and we were at the
YelleCeAe for the summers I believe he married thet fall,
but < do not mow where he fe nowe .

If he is in town, I hope to get the opinion of Duteh
Lonberg while in Chieage next week.

Sineerely,

Ge Pe Aloette,
1206 &. Jofferson Ste,
Booningten, ilLinoise

 

 
 

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tee Ge Fe ‘leett
1206 Fe ae
 ~ Dear Mre Aleott:

Bae eho

 
    

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Ate By 1940

I onoe coached faker University; the firet sceching fob in
tmeeketball I ever had. "e turned out a wonderful teen dom theres
 Teson, Hoover, cauple, Preston, Arnett, Ereainerd, Mithrew, lristos,
Leo Jones and thet group were the boys thet pleyed on the teams
Joe Urietew was the sanager of the tess end we hed a fellow nemed
Bacon who hed somo active part in ite I was very strongly ettached
to Belors

 & Sow years ago I learned that Dr. Seiemith hed lost his hame
through the foreclosure of © mortgeges Thie wes just before the -
gomes in 1986. 1 visited tojor Griffith and members of the tational :
Beskotbell Pules Committes and out the preposition before them thet we
have @ Hafemith night in which one penny of each person's admission should
go toward thet funde Over $7,000 we ronlized end this money wee turned
over to tire Nelemith. ‘when this wes presented to him he mde this
ful etetement, "Be not be afraid to serve humenity and weit for your
rewsrds" ‘Truly he wee « wonderful chereeter and hedid not expect any
rewerd for the things he dide

2

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7.
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vactotball palostra ag @ momorisl to Dre Hefemith. Certainly 6
Wationcl Uelemith Womoriel Committee should be orgenised and that
orgenisetion should determine the success or feilure of the projects ’

Please give my regerde to Driek Young if he is in or sround
+ I have imow him for sany yeors and consider him &

scudtalpeaas re ualhisaslss: ciated als bales

wonderful friend.
with el) goed wishes and hoping to hear from you at your gonveniends,
I Gilt,
Eineerely yours,
Dpester of Physics] Pducstion end Peerestion
Yereity Basketbell Cosch
FeArig