A REALLY BIG SHOE

The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum in New Castle, Indiana houses the treasures of Indiana’s favorite game. And it’s a good thing, considering the vast changes in the sport. But while some teams, mascots and players themselves might go unrecognized by Hoosier youth, there’s one icon of the sport that remains steadfast: Converse All Star "Chuck Taylor" sneakers are ninety years old but still going strong! And since 1923, except for the addition of endless new colors and patterns, original "Chuck Taylors" have not changed one bit.
The familiar canvas high-tops, introduced and promoted by Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer, Chuck Taylor, are well represented in the new display, including an autographed pair that hit the historic hardwood on Milan Miracle Worker, Bobby Plump. The famous footwear will delight you whether fan or fashionista.
Lesley Vulgan, Manager of Collections and Artifacts at the Hall of Fame, says that while all displays are unique and have an interesting background, the Chucks display was especially enjoyable to pull together. “I had the best time researching the endless variety of colors and styles,” says Vulgan, “And we all knew about inductee Chuck Taylor, but his life was a very interesting one.”

The museum staff noticed a group of gentleman visiting the Hall this spring. Not unusual. But these guys, all professionals and dressed as such, were all spiffed up from the ankle down with, you guessed it, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. The pilgrimage was led by Robert Parker of Louisville, Kentucky who owns countless pairs of the shoes, many of which the museum contracted to display on loan, including a green and red holiday pair of “Chucks,” complete with bells.
Besides other ongoing features that families will enjoy; the John Wooden Locker Room Pep Talk and the Last Second Shot, many touch-screen exhibits and a gift shop round out the museum of Hoosier hoop heritage. Visitors will have the chance to have a photo taken with the giant basketball shoe outside on the Hall of Fame grounds and enjoy designing their own shoe in a hands-on exhibit inside the museum.

Plan to visit!

Open 10 AM – 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday – 1 PM – 5 PM Sundays
Admission $4 adults and teens, $2 children 5-12, preschoolers free

I-70 to State Road 3 North to Trojan Lane (follow signs)
St. Road 38 to New Castle, turn left on St Rd 3 and go south to Trojan Lane.
408 Trojan Lane, New Castle, Indiana 47362 - 765-529-1891
http://www.hoopshall.com/

Special offer: Wear Chuck Taylor All-Stars and receive discount admission of $1!!!