May 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2014
Basketball inventor James Naismith autograph letter signed. Dated 25 October 1916, Naismith writes to his daughter while serving in WWI. Written on Active Service Soldiers' YMCA Wichita stationery, it reads in full, ''Dear Helen: I have not written you since leaving home last - but I have thought of you often enough. How are you getting along with Mama? So she will be able to stay alone? If not get someone to stay with her. Do not neglect your studies. How are you getting along with Physiology. Get good grades in that course anyway - We move into Barracks today...We all feel that we are marching time here and getting nowhere. This delay is killing all the enthusiasm of the boys and it is a common saying, 'I never love a country again' I saw a piece in the paper this a.m. saying that Wilson had killed patriotism and there is a revulsion against military service. I want to get home to take care of Mama and relieve you. You don't know how much I love you my little mainstay...Get that horse blanket to me soon. What has become of it?...JN''. Letter runs 3pp. on two sheets. Measures 5.5'' x 8.5''. Creasing and chipping to top edge, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA.
James Naismith Autograph Letter Signed to His Daughter During His WWI Service -- ''...How are you getting along with Physiology. Get good grades in that course anyway...'' -- With PSA/DNA COA
Click above for larger image.