Dover Basketeers 70th anniversary at library
The team, coached by George Elford, featured boys in sixth grade through eighth grade who showed off their skills during halftime shows throughout the country in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Dover Public Library will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dover Basketeers Monday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room.
Kim Jurkovic, local history librarian, has created a slideshow of images that tell the story of the Basketeers. She will prompt four former members of the team — Colby Byrom, Keith Marburger, Don Maurer and Jim Meese — to share memories of their time as part of this team of Dover boys who imitated the antics and skills of the Harlem Globetrotters.
The team, coached by George Elford, featured boys in sixth grade through eighth grade who showed off their skills during halftime shows throughout the country in the 1950s and 1960s. They traveled to New York City to perform during halftime of an NBA All-Star Game. The team also had the opportunity to work with Jerry Lewis on a Hollywood movie, “The Errand Boy.”
Don Maurer compiled a history of the teams in a book titled “George Elford and the Story of the Dover Basketeers.” Maurer will sign copies of the book after the program. Refreshments will be provided by the Dover Exchange Club.
The DPL is located at 525 N. Walnut St. in Dover. Register online at www.doverlibrary.org/events or call the library at 330-343-6123.