Pilgrimage to Holyoke, Mass.
For those of you that don't know, Pocono Pirates Volleyball is planning a visit to the Volleyball Hall of Fame in February or March of 2000. If you live anywhere near the Poconos of Pa. And would like to go there with us, let me know by December 1, 1999, I will give you the information. (No group is too large, none too small, I'll go by myself if I have too)
Contact Info:
Brian Zimmerman
RR3 Box 210B Kunkletown, Pa. 18058
(610) 681-4964
captain@poconopirates.com
Hello Volleyball Enthusiast,
Here is a letter that is circulating as you read this:
As a Volleyball player, I have always been intrigued by the history of the sport. The better I've become, the more I've wanted to spread the word. For those of you that aren't aware of what Holyoke, Mass. Means to Volleyball, I will explain.
In 1895, In Holyoke, Massachusetts, William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director, created a game called, "Mintonette" as a pastime to be played preferably indoors and by any number of players. The game took some of the characteristics of tennis and handball. It was not as rough as Basketball, but still required quite a bit of athletic effort.
The first rules, written down by Morgan himself, called for a net 6 feet 6 inches high, a 25 x 50 foot court, and any number of players. A match composed of 9 innings with 3 serves for each team in each inning, no limit to the number of ball contacts allowed each team before sending the ball to the opponents court. In case of a service error, a second try was allowed (as in tennis) and a ball hitting the net was to be considered a foul (with a loss of point or a sideout) except in the case of the first try serve. After 104 years of constant changes, the sport evolved into what you now know as Volleyball.
Holyoke is also home to the, currently being expanded, Volleyball Hall of Fame. You can check out the specifics at www.volleyhall.org. The Hall of Fame boasts things such as: a 25,000 square foot, Volleyball sphere, which houses many exhibits. A beach pavilion and indoor arena with a capacity of 4-5,000 people each.
The Hall of Fame is, in itself, a major must see, but just to think this all happens down the street from the Holyoke YMCA where William G. Morgan, a HOF inductee, created the game Volleyball.
The pilgrimage, at this point, is an idea of mine that I am convinced will happen. At this time I need votes of interest, so I can make solid plans. The proposed time would be February or March of 2000 and it would include a 3 day trip (ie Friday, Saturday, Sunday) at about $100 a person. (for transportationand admission to the Hall) Hotel/Motel cost would be up to you. If there is enough people interested, we may be able to get a group rate and a charter bus or two.
The most important reason to go is to experience the history of the sport we love. You will also Develop some great Volleyball friendships. Who knows I may even get some "Pilgrimage to Holyoke" shirts made up for all to attend.