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 derby. When son Donn found out you had to be at least 12 to enter, he was crushed. His Cubmaster dad cooked up a scheme to have the Cubs build their own mini-soapbox cars and put together kits which were handed out to the Cubs in a brown paper sack. Then as now, it was designed to have the Cub and their parents turn the wood and wheels into a custom and hopefully fast, model car, 5 ounces or less.
When it was time for the races, Murphy and the Pack’s parents had built a 32-foot two-lane track, and on May 15, 1953, the world’s first Pinewood Derby took off. It was a smash hit and the news spread throughout the Los Angeles area like wildfire. By 1954 the buzz was heard by the Boy Scout national office and they began promoting the idea in their publication, Boy’s Life. And it was enthusiastically pursued by Cubs coast to coast.
Now, nearly 70 years later, the Pinewood Derby is still a highlight to Cubs and their families. This Sunday, April 3, from 11 a.m. on, come out to the W.O.E. Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Douglas Ave., to catch the excitement of putting the pine to the wood. There will be loaner cars for your kids to try out.
There will also be chances to talk with Pack 140 and Troops 140 & 4140 about how your son or daughter can explore the wonderful world of scouting. There will be a number of activities besides the Derby Race, crafts, scouting activities, bake sale, and other family-friendly activities to try.
Scouting is open to all boys and girls, K-12, come check out what the local scouts are all about!
– Dana Merryday
