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
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
Also recorded for this place: The County of Lanark
N 45 14.720 W 76 13.542
Recorded July 2012. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
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.
May 19, 2009
Dr. James Naismith you rock. Basketball Rocks.
January 9, 2009
What did he do after the season?
December 7, 2008
Wow. I never knew that he was such a genius.