Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
- whodathunkit
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2477
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:56 pm
- Location: Forgan, OK
Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
How has the pinewood derby car progressed through Cub Scouting, to the many different clubs that join in this event that is now enjoyed by childern & parents from all over the world?
I know that not many pinewood derby websites share much of it's history.
There are a few that do. However, in my experiences I keep noticing that very little of this event's history & past is known and about how this car took on a life of it's own!
For the many of us that truly enjoy this car & event because of what it teaches a child & us parents, it's past seems to be lost to us all.
But the real truth is it's still history in the making!
And no one knows it's history better than it's founder Don Murphy,
The Boy Scouts of America, Boys' Life, and the many people who have wrote of it's history.
The true joy is discovering this game with a purpose (As it's founder calls it!)
It's purpose is to bring the family together in common interest.
"My" purpose is to share my experiences & findings through collecting & doing first hand research of it's history. Hoping to share the purpose of this car and how this new & exciting pinewood derby event was enjoyed
by Cub Scouts back then through it's writings in the Boys' Life magazine articles & Cub Scout catalog ads.
Boys' Life Oct 1954 cover page.
Page 57 Duffel Bag / Hobby Hows.
We see a photo of the boys and the cars.
Page 59 article PINEWOOD DERBY By GLENN A. WAGNER
Boys' Life June 1955 cover page.
Page 26. PWD AD.
Boys' Life Aug 1955 Cover page.
Page 56 PWD AD.
To read about:
The 18 Youth's Crowned Winners in the second Pinewood Derby Championships
held out side of Scouting March12,1955
By the Los Angeles City Recreation & Parks Department.
http://newspaperarchive.com/covina-argu ... 17/page-32" target="_blank
Boy's Life June 1959 cover page.
On page C8 Art Hasselbach is seen as the Starter for pack 197 Bronx,New York in the top left photo.
The next Pinewood Derby car kit add in Boy's Life was not seen intell the
February of 1957 issue on page 60 for $2.75 no.1699 also.
Dec 1955 Cub Scout Catalog cover page and ad.
1955/56 PINEWOOD DERBY AD.
These ads were first seen in the Space Derby & Regatta kits.
Here is one from 1957 in the Regatta plans packet with a price seen at $2.95.
Cub Scout Program Quarterlies.
Spring of 1955 shows several drawings of the special activities for the summer program (Art work is by Bud Bennett.)
Summer 1955 Theme for June ''Wheels,Wings,&Things''
It shows a drawing of the car track and facilities for the event.
Back page shows the Betacraft's pwd 8 car bulk sets for $2.75
In the spring of 1956 we see a drawing showing the February Golden Treasures
Blue & Gold Banquet.
And the kit ad on the back page.
In the winter of 1956-57 it moves to a winter event for the banquet.
Back also shows kit.
In the fall of 1957 The pinewood derby goes to many hospitals for Veterans and children as A GOOD-WILL DERBY.
And a Cub Scout Achievement show.
Back cover shows the kit with the new price change to $2.95
Fall of 1958 kit ad
Here is a photo of a pack sharing this event at a Veteran's hospital.
In the winter of 1958-59 February theme is Carnival of Colors.
The pinewood derby cars were used to make colorful floats for the Pinewood Derby parade.
In the summer of 1959 it's about the sail boat regatta, in july
Mother Nature's Back Yard.
1959 summer kit ad.
In the winter of 1959-60 January Theme is Cub Scout Scientist.
And the space derby is shared.
In the spring of 1960 March Theme is My Home State.
Cubs discover their home state.
In the spring of 1961 we see Cubmasters get into the action!
Away they go is the cry of eager Cubmasters, testing the new starting device for the annual pack event. On the new eight-lane track.
And the Pinewood Derby Song to "De Camptown Races" is sung in the closing ceremonies of the 1961 Pinewood Derby Program!
In the summer of 1961 the Theme is Harbors,Stations,Airports.
The pinewood derby moves outdoors for this one. Check out the pinewood derby tips! Hope you can read it from the photo.
Summer 1961 kit ad.
Summer 1962 kit ad.
Fall 1962 kit ad.
In the winter of 1962-63 it moves back to the Blue & Gold banquet
as a Blue & Gold Story.
winter 1962-63 kit ad.
In the winter of 1963-64 it's Boy Scout Week Pinewood Derby.
Check out the kids' smiles!!
Fall 1964 kit ad.
1964 issue Back Yard U.S.A
In the winter of 1964-65 America's Trail Blazers is the theme for January.
Cars were made to be covered wagons for the theme!
Also a Race Track Advancement Ceremony was held as a special way to honor
race drivers who have advanced in their Cub Scout Rank.
Check out the backwards number on this kit ad.
Fall of 1965 kit ad.
Spring 1965 kit ad,and the.. Theme for January-Transportation.
Winter of 1965-66 Transpotation Theme for January.
Winter 1965-66 kit ad.
Check out the Blue Ribbon Ideas & pinewood derby tips!
In the spring of 1966 The January theme is Highways to History.
This is where my research & findings come to an end for now. I've been collecting for only 4 years and I'm hoping to keep adding to my collection. My wife jokes that we could open our own Pinewood Derby museum
What a joy it has been with each new discovery!
But what a greater joy & experience it has been to give back to the kids
and all who enjoy this game with a purpose.
And I truly hope you'll share this ride with your kids!
Sometimes I just have to run a different race when it comes to racing this car with them.
I know that not many pinewood derby websites share much of it's history.
There are a few that do. However, in my experiences I keep noticing that very little of this event's history & past is known and about how this car took on a life of it's own!
For the many of us that truly enjoy this car & event because of what it teaches a child & us parents, it's past seems to be lost to us all.
But the real truth is it's still history in the making!
And no one knows it's history better than it's founder Don Murphy,
The Boy Scouts of America, Boys' Life, and the many people who have wrote of it's history.
The true joy is discovering this game with a purpose (As it's founder calls it!)
It's purpose is to bring the family together in common interest.
"My" purpose is to share my experiences & findings through collecting & doing first hand research of it's history. Hoping to share the purpose of this car and how this new & exciting pinewood derby event was enjoyed
by Cub Scouts back then through it's writings in the Boys' Life magazine articles & Cub Scout catalog ads.
Boys' Life Oct 1954 cover page.
Page 57 Duffel Bag / Hobby Hows.
We see a photo of the boys and the cars.
Page 59 article PINEWOOD DERBY By GLENN A. WAGNER
Boys' Life June 1955 cover page.
Page 26. PWD AD.
Boys' Life Aug 1955 Cover page.
Page 56 PWD AD.
To read about:
The 18 Youth's Crowned Winners in the second Pinewood Derby Championships
held out side of Scouting March12,1955
By the Los Angeles City Recreation & Parks Department.
http://newspaperarchive.com/covina-argu ... 17/page-32" target="_blank
Boy's Life June 1959 cover page.
On page C8 Art Hasselbach is seen as the Starter for pack 197 Bronx,New York in the top left photo.
The next Pinewood Derby car kit add in Boy's Life was not seen intell the
February of 1957 issue on page 60 for $2.75 no.1699 also.
Dec 1955 Cub Scout Catalog cover page and ad.
1955/56 PINEWOOD DERBY AD.
These ads were first seen in the Space Derby & Regatta kits.
Here is one from 1957 in the Regatta plans packet with a price seen at $2.95.
Cub Scout Program Quarterlies.
Spring of 1955 shows several drawings of the special activities for the summer program (Art work is by Bud Bennett.)
Summer 1955 Theme for June ''Wheels,Wings,&Things''
It shows a drawing of the car track and facilities for the event.
Back page shows the Betacraft's pwd 8 car bulk sets for $2.75
In the spring of 1956 we see a drawing showing the February Golden Treasures
Blue & Gold Banquet.
And the kit ad on the back page.
In the winter of 1956-57 it moves to a winter event for the banquet.
Back also shows kit.
In the fall of 1957 The pinewood derby goes to many hospitals for Veterans and children as A GOOD-WILL DERBY.
And a Cub Scout Achievement show.
Back cover shows the kit with the new price change to $2.95
Fall of 1958 kit ad
Here is a photo of a pack sharing this event at a Veteran's hospital.
In the winter of 1958-59 February theme is Carnival of Colors.
The pinewood derby cars were used to make colorful floats for the Pinewood Derby parade.
In the summer of 1959 it's about the sail boat regatta, in july
Mother Nature's Back Yard.
1959 summer kit ad.
In the winter of 1959-60 January Theme is Cub Scout Scientist.
And the space derby is shared.
In the spring of 1960 March Theme is My Home State.
Cubs discover their home state.
In the spring of 1961 we see Cubmasters get into the action!
Away they go is the cry of eager Cubmasters, testing the new starting device for the annual pack event. On the new eight-lane track.
And the Pinewood Derby Song to "De Camptown Races" is sung in the closing ceremonies of the 1961 Pinewood Derby Program!
In the summer of 1961 the Theme is Harbors,Stations,Airports.
The pinewood derby moves outdoors for this one. Check out the pinewood derby tips! Hope you can read it from the photo.
Summer 1961 kit ad.
Summer 1962 kit ad.
Fall 1962 kit ad.
In the winter of 1962-63 it moves back to the Blue & Gold banquet
as a Blue & Gold Story.
winter 1962-63 kit ad.
In the winter of 1963-64 it's Boy Scout Week Pinewood Derby.
Check out the kids' smiles!!
Fall 1964 kit ad.
1964 issue Back Yard U.S.A
In the winter of 1964-65 America's Trail Blazers is the theme for January.
Cars were made to be covered wagons for the theme!
Also a Race Track Advancement Ceremony was held as a special way to honor
race drivers who have advanced in their Cub Scout Rank.
Check out the backwards number on this kit ad.
Fall of 1965 kit ad.
Spring 1965 kit ad,and the.. Theme for January-Transportation.
Winter of 1965-66 Transpotation Theme for January.
Winter 1965-66 kit ad.
Check out the Blue Ribbon Ideas & pinewood derby tips!
In the spring of 1966 The January theme is Highways to History.
This is where my research & findings come to an end for now. I've been collecting for only 4 years and I'm hoping to keep adding to my collection. My wife jokes that we could open our own Pinewood Derby museum
What a joy it has been with each new discovery!
But what a greater joy & experience it has been to give back to the kids
and all who enjoy this game with a purpose.
And I truly hope you'll share this ride with your kids!
Sometimes I just have to run a different race when it comes to racing this car with them.
Last edited by whodathunkit on Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:48 am, edited 42 times in total.
What type of automobile can be spelled the same forwards & backwards?
- FatSebastian
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2818
- Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:49 pm
- Location: Boogerton, PA
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
whoda, may we ask how / where you find the memorabilia for your impressive collection?whodathunkit wrote:I've been collecting for only 4 years and am hoping to keep adding to my collection. My wife jokes that we could open our own Pinewood Derby museum
- whodathunkit
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2477
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:56 pm
- Location: Forgan, OK
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
Hello Fat Sebastian! Thanks for your reply.
Alot of my collection has come from our Scout store, yard sales, and ebay.
I know many of you on this site dislike using a pre-made car to race from ebay against other kids. However, ebay seems to be one of the many places to find this vintage memorabilia. Many people on ebay are not all bad people. Some of them give back to scouting with the sale of such memorabilia. Many of them ask me what my plans are when I buy a kit, book, or Boy's Life magazine. I tell them my plans are to share this with the kids in scouting (as tools to teach with). And a great many of them even share their pinewood derby experiences with me. Some of their stories have been sad. Some have been funny. And some will bring tears to your eyes. But you know, I feel my collecting and spending my money is time and money well spent - but not as a "win at all cost" approach. Instead, I see it as a way to give back to scouting and to help honor the memory of the founder who never earned a penny for it. I too shall do the same with my work and my collecting.
Alot of my collection has come from our Scout store, yard sales, and ebay.
I know many of you on this site dislike using a pre-made car to race from ebay against other kids. However, ebay seems to be one of the many places to find this vintage memorabilia. Many people on ebay are not all bad people. Some of them give back to scouting with the sale of such memorabilia. Many of them ask me what my plans are when I buy a kit, book, or Boy's Life magazine. I tell them my plans are to share this with the kids in scouting (as tools to teach with). And a great many of them even share their pinewood derby experiences with me. Some of their stories have been sad. Some have been funny. And some will bring tears to your eyes. But you know, I feel my collecting and spending my money is time and money well spent - but not as a "win at all cost" approach. Instead, I see it as a way to give back to scouting and to help honor the memory of the founder who never earned a penny for it. I too shall do the same with my work and my collecting.
What type of automobile can be spelled the same forwards & backwards?
- gpraceman
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4926
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2003 12:46 am
- Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
- Contact:
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
Yes, that is quite true. It does undermine the whole purpose of the kids races.whodathunkit wrote:I know many of you on this site dislike using a pre-made car to race from ebay against other kids.
I don't think there is anyone here that thinks all eBay sellers are bad. The issue has been with those that are selling the completed cars knowing full well that they are being used in kids races and encouraging that in their sales pitches. If some of those sellers are giving back, then it is certainly a mixed bag. IMO, it still doesn't make up for them continuing to undermine the whole purpose of these kids races.whodathunkit wrote:Many people on ebay are not all bad people. Some of them give back to scouting with the sale of such memorabilia.
I appreciate you sharing your collection. It is cool to see the history of the sport.whodathunkit wrote:But you know, I feel my collecting and spending my money is time and money well spent - but not as a "win at all cost" approach. Instead, I see it as a way to give back to scouting and to help honor the memory of the founder who never earned a penny for it. I too shall do the same with my work and my collecting.
One thing that I would recommend is that you resize your pictures down to fit within 640x640 pixels. That will reduce the time that they take to load in people's browsers. I like using Multiple Image Resizer for resizing images in bulk. Being free, the price is certainly right.
Randy Lisano
Romans 5:8
Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
Romans 5:8
Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
- whodathunkit
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2477
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:56 pm
- Location: Forgan, OK
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
gpraceman,
Thanks for sharing the Multiple Image Resizer with me! Now THAT'S one cool tool! Thank you so much! I liked using it so much I added more for you all to see and share with the kids. Check it out and let me know what you think
To all Derby Talkers: I'd like to thank you all for letting me share the history
with you.
It's fun to share with others who look at the good this very car has done
for so many kids,parents,and clubs through out the world!
Though it wasn't quite the way I intended to share it with all of you,
please let it be a reminder of the feeling its founder must of felt when
his son and him were told they couldn't race in the soap box derby,
and the memory Don Murphy reflects back on in his book Pinewood
recalling a time when his son was young, and what went wrong with the
red co2 powered car.
" I Wanted to devise a Wholesome, Constructive activity that would
Foster a closer Father-Son relationship and promote Craftsmanship and good
Sportsmanship through Competition"
Don Murphy,
Founder of the Pinewood Derby in 1953
Manhattan Beach, CA Cub Scout Pack 280c
I feel so blessed to have shared my collection with you all much in the same
way as it must of happend for its founder & his son.
Mark Robison.
Thanks for sharing the Multiple Image Resizer with me! Now THAT'S one cool tool! Thank you so much! I liked using it so much I added more for you all to see and share with the kids. Check it out and let me know what you think
To all Derby Talkers: I'd like to thank you all for letting me share the history
with you.
It's fun to share with others who look at the good this very car has done
for so many kids,parents,and clubs through out the world!
Though it wasn't quite the way I intended to share it with all of you,
please let it be a reminder of the feeling its founder must of felt when
his son and him were told they couldn't race in the soap box derby,
and the memory Don Murphy reflects back on in his book Pinewood
recalling a time when his son was young, and what went wrong with the
red co2 powered car.
" I Wanted to devise a Wholesome, Constructive activity that would
Foster a closer Father-Son relationship and promote Craftsmanship and good
Sportsmanship through Competition"
Don Murphy,
Founder of the Pinewood Derby in 1953
Manhattan Beach, CA Cub Scout Pack 280c
I feel so blessed to have shared my collection with you all much in the same
way as it must of happend for its founder & his son.
Mark Robison.
What type of automobile can be spelled the same forwards & backwards?
- whodathunkit
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2477
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:56 pm
- Location: Forgan, OK
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
Here is a Dec 1966 Boy's Life article By Glenn Wagner.
Page 96.
(Note:) in the top photos the cars are from the kit.
And the bottom photo made from wood stock.
This article picks up where the Cub Scout theme Highways to History
starts off.
To see more of this article:
http://books.google.com/books?id=3alTZh ... &q&f=false" target="_blank
Randy, I hope it is ok to add this also.
To see some more on the BSA kit history info:
http://www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=5613" target="_blank
Mark Robison.
Whodathunkit.
Page 96.
(Note:) in the top photos the cars are from the kit.
And the bottom photo made from wood stock.
This article picks up where the Cub Scout theme Highways to History
starts off.
To see more of this article:
http://books.google.com/books?id=3alTZh ... &q&f=false" target="_blank
Randy, I hope it is ok to add this also.
To see some more on the BSA kit history info:
http://www.derbytalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=5613" target="_blank
Mark Robison.
Whodathunkit.
What type of automobile can be spelled the same forwards & backwards?
- whodathunkit
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2477
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:56 pm
- Location: Forgan, OK
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
Here's a youtube video by designermite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CVr2pH3_wQ" target="_blank
Final edit:
I like the video clips and what you've done to help share the memories.
Whoda.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CVr2pH3_wQ" target="_blank
Final edit:
I like the video clips and what you've done to help share the memories.
Whoda.
What type of automobile can be spelled the same forwards & backwards?
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
That is SUPER GREAT !!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't help but notice in the picture of the 1960 March theme, the tall scout on the right appears to have cant on his wheels and is rail riding. Is it possible that young scout is one of Sporty's ancestors? Hmmmm?
Best of Luck in your collection.
Best of Luck in your collection.
- whodathunkit
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2477
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:56 pm
- Location: Forgan, OK
Re: Pinewood Derby History In The Making!
Thank you Speedster.
As for the tall scout being one of Sporty's ancestors
I'm suprised you noted:
That the car is running with canted wheels and rail rideing.
As for the tall scout being one of Sporty's ancestors
I'm suprised you noted:
That the car is running with canted wheels and rail rideing.
What type of automobile can be spelled the same forwards & backwards?