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On May 15, 1953, the first Pinewood Derby
was held by Cub Scout Pack 280C in Manhattan Beach, California.
The history of the Pinewood Derby, as written by its creator, Don Murphy
follows:
In 1953, my son was ten years old and expressed a desire to join the Cub
Scouts. My wife and I encouraged him since, as a child, I was a Scout
and enjoyed the
experience. My wife became a Den Mother of Pack 280C, which was composed
of 52 Cub Scouts and seven Dens. Pack 280C needed a new Cub Master and I
volunteered. I had no idea when I made that commitment that someday an
idea of mine would evolve into an international tradition.
Each month the Dens would meet in our newly built Scout House in
Manhattan Beach, California. I had felt for a while that Scouts needed
more opportunities to
participate in active challenging games to promote good sportsmanship
and acquire a variety of skills and abilities. At that time, I was the
Art Director at North
American Aviation and a member of the Management Club. The Management
Club sponsored the Soap Box Derby for the children of employees and
provided the materials for the cars. I wanted my son, Don, to enter the
program and have a chance for him to win a scholarship. He was 10 years
old and, to our disappointment was too young to enter the Derby.
Children had to be 12 years old to participate. I felt that something
needed to be done for younger boys to be able to race in our Cub Pack.
During my youth, I used to make model airplanes, coaches and cars
working with soft pinewood and balsa. I thought, why not design a small
racing car to run down an inclined track. It would be a safe activity
for young boys and something that dads and mothers could also
participate in with their children. So, I set into action the design and
making of a 7-inch racer cut from soft pinewood to be raced down a
30-foot wooden track, self-propelled by gravity and named the event the
"Pinewood Derby." I took my idea to the Management Club and not only did
they accept the idea but they wanted to sponsor my Cub Pack 280C with
trophies and promotional backing.
I presented the Pinewood Derby idea to my Cub Scout Committee. With much
enthusiasm, we created the design for the track and used an electric
doorbell mechanism for the finish line. A light would indicate the
winner. We then established the official rules and regulations, which
are largely the same today. In individual brown paper bags, we placed a
copy of the rules, a 7-inch pinewood block, four nails and four wheels
and presented them to each Cub Scout with an assigned number, used to
identify the participant and the car. The finished car could not weigh
more than five ounces.
DERBY DAY! This was the big day! In a small packed Scout House on May
15, 1953, in Manhattan Beach, California, the races began. Contestants
raced across the wooden track in three classes: for example, the first
race for 8-years olds, the first race for9-year olds and the first race
for 10-year olds. This was repeated for the remaining heats. The winners
immediately took their cars back to the pit for the remaining heats.
From that moment in time, the Pinewood Derby became an instant hit! The
expressions on the boys faces and the interest of the parents said it
all. While my own son did not win that day, he always remembers the
race. I relive the experience today when I watch the Derbies being run.
Many fathers who participated in Derbies years ago still have their
cars. Today, they watch their sons embark on the same adventure.
News of the Derby reached the National Directors of the Boy Scouts of
America and they decided to promote the event throughout the United
States. Director O. W. Bennett wrote to me saying, "We believe you have
an excellent idea and we are most eager to make this material available
to the Cub Scouts of America." I gave them my permission to proceed with
the program. I was quite rewarded knowing that I had made a contribution
to the Boy Scouts of America and created a meaningful family event that
has become a worldwide tradition among millions of Scouts today.
Recently, I was inspired to write and publish a book entitled "Pinewood:
the Story of the Pinewood Derby." This book includes reproductions of
photographs of the original Derby, the first car and track plans, the
official rules and how the Derby was staged. There are humorous accounts
drawn from past and present events as well as illustrations, cartoons,
stories and photos of past and current Derby races.
Additional information about this book can be obtained by writing:
Don Murphy, PO Box 3881-E, Torrance, CA 90510 |