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.
