Vanishing Hardwoods in Rural America

About the Book

"VANISHING HARDWOODS will appeal not only to the basketball fan, but to history buffs who have interests in heartland America.  I wish I had time to travel throughout rural country sides to discover for myself some of the vintage gyms that flourished during the golden age of basketball.

In the early days on the western prairies, basketball was king.  All you needed in a small school was five kids, a floor and two hoops.   Today, it's hard to find the same type of enthusiasm as those teams of yesterday.  The author captures that spirit; thus, this book must be a definite read."                                                             

George Karl,

About the Author

Myron Finkbeiner grew up in Nampa, Idaho.  Upon completion of his undergraduate studies at Northwest Nazarene College, and a Master's Degree at the University of Oregon, he embarked upon a coaching career that spanned 25 years.   In 1980, he retired from coaching and returned to Nampa where he served as the Alumni Director for his alma mater.

Growing up in rural Idaho offered Myron the opportunity to play in a vast number of small gyms. His fascination with vintage gyms, his interest in history, and the nostalgia of looking back, all combined in prompting him into a study of the quaint hardwoods.  In this book he has recorded his findings to ensure this part of history will not become lost. 

In 1994 Myron founded the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, an organization that honors "Good People in Sport."  The Humanitarian Bowl, which plays on the blue turf in Boise, takes its name from the Hall of Fame.