Dr. James Naismith 1861-1939
Text from the plaque
This is the boyhood home of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. Born in a house which formerly stood on this lot, he entered McGill University in 1883 where he was active in athletics. In 1890 Naismith graduated in theology from Presbyterian College, Montreal and subsequently enrolled at the International Y.M.C.A. Training School (now Springfield College) in Massachusetts. There was a need for a competitive team sport that could be played indoors during the winter months, and, there, in December 1891, Naismith devised a game, played under thirteen basic rules, with a ball and two round baskets. He directed physical education at the University of Kansas for thirty-six years and died at Lawrence, Kansas.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Lanark
The Town of Mississippi Mills
In a pull-off in front of the house
on Road 29, street number 4968
just north of James Naismith Way/Clayton Road
3.2 km north of Road 16 in Almonte
N 45 14.502 W 76 13.918
Recorded June 2004. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
December 30, 2010
James Naismith was truly a great man. He was great because he invented something everybody loves, basketball. I wish I could have met him but he is dead and he will be remembered forever.
November 13, 2009
Did you know that my great-great grandfather was in the class when it was invented?? His name is Frank Hoyt Mahan.
May 3, 2009
James Naismith is my hero.
December 18, 2008
In gym every day my gym teacher is talking about him we are doing the elk free throwing contest at Martha Elementary and I won for the 12 year old division. If I win the next round for my age group I will get to go to St. Joe High School. Well nice sharing my comment with whoever gets this.