by Neil Carleton
James Naismith (1861-1939) of Almonte invented basketball in 1891 while teaching at Springfield, Massachusetts. Today basketball is one of the world’s most popular and widely viewed sports.
Earlier this year the National Basketball Association released a video about Almonte’s connections with Dr. Nasmith and basketball. Narrated by Jeff Mills of Mills Community Support, the focus of the 3 minute video is the recent community-driven rehabilitation of the basketball court at Augusta Street Park. It’s available for viewing here.
Last August an enthusiastic nomination was mailed to the national Stamp Advisory Committee for a 2016 postage stamp to commemorate the 125th anniversary of basketball. Alas, a minimum of two years is required for the selection, design, production, and release of a new stamp.
Canada first featured basketball on a postage stamp in 1976. It was an 8 cent semi-postal issue in a team sports set with a 2 cents surtax in support of the 21st Olympic Games which were held in Montreal that year.
The centennial of basketball’s invention was celebrated in 1991 with a 40 cent postage stamp, along with a souvenir sheet that included two additional denominations for U.S. and international mail.
The most recent Canadian basketball stamp was issued in 2009 as part of a set featuring Canada’s sporting innovations.
Although a commemorative postage stamp wasn’t possible in 2016, a team effort resulted in a special postal cancellation to celebrate the 125th anniversary of basketball in Dr. James Naismith’s hometown. The design was unveiled in Almonte on July 13 at Augusta Street Park with Carla Qualtrough, federal Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. Also in attendance was Jim Naismith (seated left), grandson of basketball’s inventor. Photo courtesy of Shawn De Salvo / DeSa Photography.
With a new ink pad and a supply of paper on hand, about two hundred souvenirs went home as part of the community’s basketball celebrations at Augusta Street Park. Photo courtesy of Shawn De Salvo / DeSa Photography.
The special 125th anniversary cancellation is now in active service at the Almonte post office. It will be in use until the end of the year. Look for the enlargement in the front window. Thank you to Almonte residents Michel and Blanche Gauthier for helping with the photo.
Ask at the front counter to have your letter or postcard hand stamped with the special anniversary cancellation.
Almonte’s postal cancellation for the 125th anniversary of basketball was made possible thanks to the contributions of Julia Duncan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities; Elaine David, Assistant Product Category Manager – Stamp Services, Canada Post; and Jim Phillips, Director, Stamp Services, Canada Post. Thank you for your support.
Also available in Almonte during the 125th anniversary year is a basketball trade token, created in 2011 by Sean Isaacs of Alliance Coin & Banknote at 88 Mill Street. Featured is a portrait of James Naismith with a peach basket and ball. Image courtesy of Alliance Coin & Banknote.
In a few short weeks, on Saturday, August 6th, is the 24th annual Naismith 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on the streets of Almonte. 2015 was a record year with over 60 teams. Registration details here.
Nearby, at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, is the Doctor James Naismith Museum where the story of his remarkable international contribution is on display. Driving directions. Check out the Museum Tour on the Mississippi Mills Cycling Map. Pick up a paper copy downtown at the Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge Street, where bicycles are for rent too.
