AUGUST 19

On this date in 1934, the very first All-American Soap Box Derby was held in Dayton, Ohio. The next year it was moved to Akron, Ohio and has been held there ever since.


In the middle 1950's, I became familiar with the Derby through my neighbors, the Werlings. They were a family of five boys, some older and one younger than me. The older boys built a derby car in their garage one summer and I spent many hours watching them.


If I'm not mistaken, the local Chevrolet dealer took applications to be in the race. With your application, you received a kit that included wheels, a steering wheel and I don't know what all. I know there were specifications limiting the length of the car and giving a minimum weight.

Cincinnati had a big race weekend early in July, I think . . . the winner going to Akron to compete in the national event. The Cincinnati race was held in Eden Park. I went there to root on my neighbor. He won several heats but was not the overall winner. I was very envious of those kids at that time . . . I got over it.
:D