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Partly-printed DS, signed “James Naismith A.B.,” one page both sides, 11 x 8.5, December 5, 1895. Naismith fills out a biographical questionnaire for the "Handbook of Canadian Biography," most notably identifying his "Record in journalism, science or art" as the "Originator of Basket Ball, author of rules &c.," and "First editor of the 'Triangle' (now Physical Education)." He also writes out his full name ("James Naismith A.B."), parentage ( "John Naismith, Born Scotland, Margaret Young, Born Almonte"), when and where born, educated, and married ("(a) Almonte, Ont. Nov. 1861, (b) Almonte High School 1881–1883, McGill University Montreal 1883–1887, Montreal Presbyterian College 1887–1890, International Young Men's Christian Association Training School 1890–91), Gross Medical College Denver Colo. 1895 (still there), (c) Miss Maude E. Sherman Springfield, Mass, June 20, 1894"), and names his public positions ("Instructor in Young Men's Christian Association Training school, Springfield, Mass," and "Physical Director in Young Men's Christian Association, Denver, Colo." among them). On the opposite side is a printed message with facsimile signature from Henry J. Morgan, editor of the subscription-only "Canadian 'Men of the Time'" publication, explaining that it will carry "biographies or sketches of every prominent Canadian at home and abroad"; annotated below in an unknown hand, "Rev. Jas. Naismith." In fine condition. Accompanied by an original vintage glossy 4 x 6 silver gelatin photograph of Naismith in a bust-length pose.
In 1891, James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, invented the game of basketball while working at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Tasked with creating an indoor activity to keep students fit during the winter, he developed a game using a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals. The YMCA quickly recognized the game’s potential for promoting teamwork and physical health, helping spread basketball to other YMCAs across the country and eventually worldwide. A remarkable, early James Naismith document attesting to his invention of the sport of basketball.
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