James Naismith (1861-1939)

and

Dr. James Naismith 1861-1939

There are two plaques about this gentleman in the County of Lanark.
Both can be seen on this page.

Photos by Colin Old - Posted July, 2012

Photo Source - Wikipedia Commons

Plaque Location

The County of Lanark
The Town of Mississippi Mills
Attached to the wall of a house beside the front door at
100 Naismith Way, .6 km east of Road 29
3.2 km north of Road 16 in Almonte

Coordinates: N 45 14.720 W 76 13.542

Plaque Text

James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, was born on this farm in Ramsey Township. While studying theology in Montréal, he played a number of sports and became interested in the new discipline of physical education. In 1891, as a teacher in Massachusetts, he recognized the need for a new indoor activity to promote fitness in place of the traditional winter routine of marching, gymnastics and calisthenics. Feeling that a non-contact team game was the best answer, he devised the sport of basketball. His game is now played in over one hundred countries around the world.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2004

Plaque Location

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

Coordinates: N 45 14.502 W 76 13.918

Plaque Text

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.

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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.

January 5, 2010
It is so neat to see the town of Almonte on T.V. thanks to Dr. James Naismith who invented the best game ever and will always be my favorite school days sport.

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.

Posted May 19, 2009
Dr. James Naismith you rock. Basketball Rocks

Posted May 3, 2009
James Naismith is my hero

Posted January 9, 2009
what did he do after the season? my email is richierich1796@hotmail.com

Posted December 18, 2008
in gym every day my gym teacher is talking about him . and we are doing the elk free throwing contest at martha elementary and I won for the 12 year old division . and 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 who ever gets this.

Posted December 7, 2008
wow I never knew that he was such a genius

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