Vigo County Historical Society

Derby helmets remain from Soap Box Derby times

Many excited youngsters wearing helmets decorated in patriotic motifs participated in the annual running of the Soap Box Derby. This event began in Terre Haute in 1936 and continued into the mid-to-late 1950s. The race was suspended from 1942 to 1946 as World War II was fought.

In 1946 when the race was resumed, it was dedicated to the memory of Lt. Fred Huss, winner of the first Derby in 1936, who was killed while serving in the U.S. Navy Air Force. The 1946 contest was won by James Lawrence.

Boys from 11 to 15 years of age designed and built the four-wheel, self-propelled cars. More than one location was used, but the Soap Box Derby is most often associated with being run on "Derby Hill," a long hill on U.S. 40 west of West Terre Haute. About 35 boys were involved, with the lucky winners going on to the Nationals in Akron, Ohio. Various Terre Haute business helped the boys financially and those names appeared on the sides of each car.

Co-sponsored by the Terre Haute Tribune Star Publishing Co. and Downtown Chevrolet, the Soap Box Derby drew increasing crowds of up to 15,000 spectators. Hulman & Co. was another sponsor of the event.

The helmet pictured is on display, along with two rotogravure photographs from the Terre Haute Tribune-Star. These are part of the Vigo County Historical Museum’s "Celebrate the Century" exhibit. Made of composition material, the hat was found by Kelly and William Mathies in a home they purchased from Nolan Charmichael. The two Charmichael boys, Bob and Don, participated in the 1953 Soap Box Derby. The helmet is red, white and blue with the emblem "53 Soap Box Derby" on the front, around which is printed the motto, "16 Years of Steering Boys in the Right Direction."

The Soap Box Derby touched the lives of many in Terre Haute and evokes fond memories as we near the end of the 20th century.