Akron in Summit County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Soap Box Derby
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 7, 2011
1. The Soap Box Derby Marker
An annual summer tradition for American youth since the 1930s, the All-American Soap Box Derby was the concept of journalist Myron E. ("Scottie") Scott, who covered an impromptu homebuilt gravity-car race in Dayton in 1933. Scott conceived and promoted a prize-awarding event later that year, and to his surprise 362 boys entered the race. Restrictions on material cost and participants' ages widened the sport's appeal; the Soap Box Derby held its first national championship in Akron in 1935, sponsored by the auto and rubber industries. Derby Downs, built as a public works project by the New Deal-era Works Progress Administration (WPA), has been the event's home since 1936. The Soap Box Derby continues to promote the values of craftsmanship, sportsmanship, and perseverance for generations of American youth.
Erected 2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, All American Soap Box Derby, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 28-77.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Entertainment • Man-Made Features • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Alaskan Totem Pole (a few steps from this marker); Motorless Flight (approx. 0.4 miles away); Airdock (approx. 0.4 miles away); Akron Fulton Airport Champions Raceway (approx. 0.4 miles away); Karl Arnstein (approx. 0.4 miles away); Franklin Augustus "F. A." Seiberling and The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (approx. 2.3 miles away); Middlebury Cemetery (approx. 2.6 miles away); Middlebury Lodge No. 34 F.&A.M. (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Akron.
Also see . . .
1. History of the All American Soap Box Derby. (Submitted on June 17, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Soap Box Derby Racer Plans. (Submitted on June 17, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Soap Box Derby in Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 17, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 7, 2011
2. The Soap Box Derby Marker at Derby Downs
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 7, 2011
3. Derby Downs Finish Line
Start line at top of hill in center distance.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 7, 2011
4. The All American Soap Box Derby Logo
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,042 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
