A look at a couple of pairs of Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, the iconic gym shoes with distinct Columbus ties.
Columbus’ shoe-in for a forever basketball hero will be in the spotlight again Saturday — his 122nd birthday.
The Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis is celebrating Chuck Taylor’s special day with Chuck Taylor Family Day and free admission.
The historical society invites all to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, from noon to 4 p.m.to participate in a day filled with activities to celebrate Taylor, a Brown County native and a two-time all-state star at Columbus High School, and his basketball legacy in Indiana.
In the summer of 1921, Chuck Taylor hobbled into a Chicago Converse sales office complaining of sore feet and persuaded executives to create a shoe especially for basketball. Taylor was an entrepreneur and involved in all facets of basketball promotion. In 1932, Converse added Taylor’s signature to its trademark five-pronged star shoes, which would become known as “Chucks,” and sent its new basketball ambassador on the road to promote the sneaker.
In addition to promoting the Converse basketball sneaker, Taylor also pursued his goal of building players, coaches, and spectator interest in the game of basketball by conducting clinics and demonstrations throughout the country.
Attendees are encouraged to explore the exhibit, “Chuck Taylor All Star,” share their own Chucks stories through a story-sharing station; practice basketball drills; and make a piece of basketball memorabilia to take home.
Chuck Taylor Family Day activities include:
- Share your story: Guests are invited to bring in a picture of themselves wearing their Chucks to create an interactive gallery wall. There will also be an option to write or draw your own story of why these shoes matter to you.
- Craft station: Guests will make their own “bouncing ball” art using a coffee filter as well as a wooden basketball ornament turned into a make-and-take keychain.
- Free throw bonanza: At this station, guests challenge each other to a shootout using mini basketballs. This will be set up in a corner of Lilly Hall.
Activities are suitable for children ages 2 and older. Admission is free, but preregistration is strongly encouraged. Visit tinyurl.com/2s3tm2sf to register.
For more information, call (317) 232-1882 or visit indianahistory.org.
