« es § ye soci PF i
a\3. Ad -
a (AP 7 \ & ¢ pda” yr" it a
ey* po Ce: \ be
. sa ae be -
ee Jee! on ag

July 31, 1940

Dr. Forrest Allen
Director of Athletics
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Dr. Allen:

The game of basketball is probably played and watched by more people than
any other game in America. Having been originated by Dr. Naismith,

I feel that it is proper that a memorial be erected in his memory. I
feel that this would be the wish of the millions of men and women who
play, coach, or watch the gamee It is fitting and proper that this
memorial be the most modern and beautiful basketball gymnasium ever
built in America, and the proper place for it is the University of Kansas
campus, where he spent so many years.

I believe that such a gymnasium could be built at no expense to Kansas,
by having every willing basketball team in America play one home game

as a memorial game for Dr. Naismith, under the auspices of the Naismith
Memorial Committee=-giving a portion of the gate receipts to the fund.

In this way no individual would be asked to contribute a penny. It

would cost the teams little if anything, for by featuring the game as the
"Naismith Memorial Game" the added attendance should increase the receipts
by the small portion to be given.

Time is too short to do it this season, for quite a bit of planning should
be done. The committee should have several nationally prominent educators
and coaches on ite The idea should be sold leading sports writers and
coachese Much of the publicity could be handled by the Journalism school
at Kansas University, and the mailing and correspondence should furnish
enployment for several students.

Suitable plaques or certificates should be given schools or organizations
whose teams take part in the project.

The game of basketball has touched and is touching the lives of so many
thousands that teams--school, high school, college, university, semi-pro,
YeMeCeoAce, YeWeCeAe, and professional--could, I feel sure, be interested in
the undertaking; and the money raised by each team, be it large or small,
would reach a large total and make such a gymnasium possible.

I am a Kansan, and graduated from Chanute High School in 1921. I attended
the College of Emporia and Washburn College, though never had the privilege
of attending the University. My wife is a Baker graduate. I have discussed
this plan with several Kansas University alumi, a few newspaper men, and
coaches and find them all very favorable to it.