Worcester, Mass.
April 25, 1959.

Mre PF. C.Allen,
University of Kansas,
Lawrence, Kansas.

Dear Mr. Allem:

Your letter received yesterday, and I am unable to
determine just what was broken as in paragraph 1 it seems to be in
the hoop and paragraph 2 seems to be in my net and to clarify this
will you please’send a pencil sketch of what really broke.

This is the first complaint I have had from any source, and
if the breakage was in the hoop,that happens quite often with the
string nets and most allways happens where the lower supporting
brace is welded to the bottom side of hoop. These hoops I understand
will stand a workitg strain of over two hundred pounds and the total
weight of my net is less than two pounds, and this weight being dis.
tributed over a fifty six inch area it should not weaken the hoop, at
all, and after two full seasons in the Worcester Boys Club which is:

a very busy gym, there has never been a repair or service of any kind,
and I believe this test is equal to several years in the average
college gym. :
If the breakage was in any part of my net it must have
‘been a defect in the loop if you mean the U hook or may have been

done in the straightening machine, or it may be because these hooks
and links were formed by hand and closed by hand with heavy pliers,
which will not happen when I assemble them on small presses and the
loops on the links will be formed over a perfectly circular die which
I could not have done on such a small order as my initial order

had to be.

To use the grade and quality of steel which I am using, in
any quantity and the fact that they will have to be assembled by hand
they will be expensive and I must get tWelve dollars pe air B.
Worcester. I will guarantee fo replace any broken ene for a period
of five years. Comparing this with the cost of good string or cord
nets in replacing them three times per season which seems to be the
average life of a net in a busy gym, if you wish to have them looking
respectable at all times this will cost you fifteen dollars plus: the
labor and inconvienence. fis

If the nets are approved I plan to manufacture and sell direct
to colleges, schools and clubs direct as yourcan see if the jobber and’
retailer have to be considered the price will have to be around twenty
five dollars at least

I would like to go to-N.Y.next Sunday and return the same day
to save expense if you think it will be worth while as I understand
many will check in Sunday or I will come over on the midnight Sun.
night to be there Mondsy morning. I will take your advice on this
matter and stay home or go as you see fit to suggest.

Mr. Hickox does not think it will be neccessary for me to have
a basket at the meeting this year as Mr. Tower showed it to the group
last year, however I will have a good picture as well as a section of
the net waiting for you.
Win or loose I wish to thank you and the rest
of the research committee which have all been courteous to me during

this testing period.
Very sincerely yours

20 Richams St., Worcester, Mass.