First Pinewood Derby, 1953.
One of the most exciting and enduring traditions in Cub Scouting is the Pinewood Derby. The Cubs and their parents work together to build a racecar out of a 7-inch-long block of wood (pine, of course) and 4 plastic wheels held on by nails.
The Derby got its start in Manhattan Beach, Calif., by a father trying to help his son get over a major disappointment. Don Murphy’s 10-year-old son had his heart set on building a car and racing in the soap box . . .
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