May, 8, 2024 – The History of the Heartland will be hosting its third annual Living Legends event on May 18th at Doherty’s in Downtown Decatur. The event will honor the Stephen Decatur High School basketball teams from the 1960’s.
History of the Heartland invites any team members from the 1960s-era SDHS basketball teams to participate in a moderated panel discussion to share memories.
Doors will open at 4 pm and will begin at 5 pm. The event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Two more vintage awards will be on display at this event. The first is the 1925 IHSA District tournament championship plaque. The 1942 regional tournament championship plaque will also be on display Saturday night. These awards have been cared for by a citizen after being acquired by someone else from a dumpster several years ago. “What an amazing act of good stewardship, protecting and keeping these awards for years for the right time for public display. As soon as this Living Legends event was announced Tom McGarry contacted us,” says Ayn Owens, founder of History of the Heartland.
History of the Heartland was also contacted by 1965 DHS graduate, George Wentworth of DHS Class of 1965, about a unique Kintner Gym item he has and will be bringing it for display on May 18th. The item is a 3ft section of the bleachers of Kintner Gym. These unique pieces of DHS basketball memorabilia will make the evening even more unique.
History of the Heartland created a limited edition set of 12 basketball cards to be available at the event for donation. The card set includes Coach Gay Kintner, Coach John Schneiter, and Coach Jack Kenny.
For information, click HERE.
By: Ahsaan Spence
