Derby racing in Hartley
By fishergirl on Feb 10, 2010 in Help Wanted, History
Anyone remember when they had Soap Box Derby races in Hartley back in 1961-1968? I’m writing an article on it for a class and would love any help, information or photos that anyone may know or have!
Thanks!
Lauren
You have likely already located the following… however, if you have not… then perhaps it will give you a lead to follow down at the Duluth Public Library…
http://dplreference.wordpress.com/
News Tribune
July 9, 1967
Starting at 1 p.m. today, 53 boys will race in the Duluth Soap Box Derby championship on the Hartley Field Derby Track. The track is one of just eleven in the country owned by a local derby.
I do know that the actual asphalt track itself is still present, visible, and walkable -- albeit quite overgrown. It is still used as a trailway.
Hartley had/has a derby track? All the times I have spent wandering the trails there, I don’t remember noticing any overgrown asphalt. Where is it located?
Have you seen this page on the Hartley website?
http://www.hartleynature.org/explore/soapboxderby.html
Yes, I found the website. I probably should have done a google search before posting my comment/question…
I have very fond memories of picking wild raspberries that grew right next to the track. Lovely memories.
Former Duluthian Bo Conrad won the national Soap Box Derby title some time in the 1960s. I think his mom is still in town…..
Do you (or anyone) by chance know what Bo Conrad’s mother’s name is?
Bo’s mother has passed, but his older sister Dorthy Conrad still lives in town and has an archive of some sort.
Thank you all so much for the help!
I really appreciate it!