Lawrence Presbyterian Manor resident reflects on book she authored

As season ticket holders for numerous years, Mary Burchill and her husband, Brower, have taken in many a basketball game at historic “Phog” Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. The Presbyterian Manor residents, like many in the area, are big Jayhawk basketball fans.

“I was there when the Fieldhouse opened,” Mary Burchill recalled.

She further recalled that she and Brower often arrived early for games, allowing her to take in all the gameday traditions that are unique to the “Cathedral of College Basketball.” Eventually, she compiled those traditions in a book, A Fan’s Guide to KU Men’s Basketball at Allen Fieldhouse.

“There is a lot of emphasis in the book on the various traditions that go on, as well as what to expect if you attend a game,” she said. “Someone who lives in western Kansas who has perhaps never had an opportunity to get to Lawrence can get a firsthand account of what that experience is like by reading the book.”

The Fieldhouse, known as one of the most historic and tradition-rich arenas in all of sports, first opened its doors in 1955.

Burchill was also working on releasing another book at the time this article was written. The book – a biography of Elizabeth Watkins, a very important figure in Lawrence – was expected to come out by the end of February.

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