Dublin Core
Title
Soap box derby car
Subject
Recreation & Entertainment
Soap box derby
Soap box derby
Description
In 1947, the Waukesha Freeman, promoted an exciting new community event: the Soap Box Derby in Waukesha! The derby invited boy (and later girls) to design and build a gravity powered car. Racers were required to find sponsors for their cars, and local merchants contributed prizes. To ensure a fair race each year, racers were provided a set of wheels.
The first race in the city was held Sunday July 27, 1947. A parade beginning at the Five Points led the racers to the course on Hartwell Ave. After a series of qualifying heats, the winner was Jack Chapman, a 15 year old boy who liked to compose music and build things. One fun detail of his car was a small metal horseshoe nailed to the floor. As Chapman said, “not too many people know about that, I had found it on the North Western tracks right-of-way...I just had the floorboard and wheels on the racer and a rope for steering. Put it on there for you-know-what.” His good luck charm worked in Waukesha, but not in the national race he qualified for. Chapman’s car was repainted with the Waukesha Freeman as sponsor, as the paper paid for his trip to compete in Akron, Ohio. He lost his first race, but still enjoyed his vacation. This is Chapman’s winning 1947 car, and represents the hopes and dreams of hundreds of Waukesha racers.
Donor: Jack Chapman
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Robb and Diane Laabs
The first race in the city was held Sunday July 27, 1947. A parade beginning at the Five Points led the racers to the course on Hartwell Ave. After a series of qualifying heats, the winner was Jack Chapman, a 15 year old boy who liked to compose music and build things. One fun detail of his car was a small metal horseshoe nailed to the floor. As Chapman said, “not too many people know about that, I had found it on the North Western tracks right-of-way...I just had the floorboard and wheels on the racer and a rope for steering. Put it on there for you-know-what.” His good luck charm worked in Waukesha, but not in the national race he qualified for. Chapman’s car was repainted with the Waukesha Freeman as sponsor, as the paper paid for his trip to compete in Akron, Ohio. He lost his first race, but still enjoyed his vacation. This is Chapman’s winning 1947 car, and represents the hopes and dreams of hundreds of Waukesha racers.
Donor: Jack Chapman
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Robb and Diane Laabs
Creator
Jack Chapman
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1947
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum