Myron Scott (1907-1998) was born in Camden, Ohio, and raised in Dayton. Although his father was a baker, Myron developed a strong passion for photography and art. He dedicated his time to further honing his skills at the Dayton Institute of Art. Eventually, Myron Scott landed a job as a staff artist at the Dayton Daily News and worked his way up to becoming one of the newspaper’s esteemed photographers.
Throughout his impressive 22-year career at the newspaper, Myron Scott demonstrated not only his exceptional photography skills but also his ability to generate innovative ideas and build strong networks.
In June 1933, while on assignment to capture photos of local children at play, Scott stumbled upon a captivating scene in Oakwood, a Dayton suburb. He witnessed boys creatively crafting wooden cars and enthusiastically coasting down Big Hill Road.
The following year, the Dayton Daily News sponsored the race again, this time expanding it into championship runs. This sparked a trend, as 34 other cities organized their own soap box derby car races, with each city champion ultimately competing in Dayton. To celebrate their achievements, the young champions enjoyed a memorable three-day experience filled with banquets, parties, and a stay at the prestigious Van Cleve Hotel. Notably, Wild Bill Cummings, the recently crowned winner of the Indianapolis 500, served as the race starter, and the renowned NBC sports announcer Graham McNamee broadcasted the event.
Continuing the tradition, the Dayton Championship was followed by the Ohio Championship, culminating in the All American Soap Box Derby, proudly sponsored by Chevrolet. From 1934 to 1972, Chevrolet remained the primary annual sponsor of the event. It all began with the brilliant mind of one man.
In 1953, during an executive meeting, Chevrolet sought a name for their newly developed sports car, with a condition that it must start with the letter “C”. Despite encountering more than 300 suggestions, the meeting adjourned without a decision.
That very evening, Scott, driven by determination, returned home and delved into his dictionary. As he scanned through the words starting with “C”, he stumbled upon one that caught his attention. The next business day, Scott sent a note to Edward N. Cole, Chevrolets chief engineer responsible for approving the car’s name. The note confidently asked, “How would you like to go for a ride today in my Corvette?”
The rest, as they say, is history. The Chevrolet Corvette swiftly rose to prominence, becoming one of America’s most beloved and iconic cars.
As for the All American Soap Box Derby, it continues to thrive to this day. Races take place throughout the year in various cities and regions. The official track for the Soap Box Derby, constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, can be found in Akron, Ohio. This track serves as the venue for the annual World Championships. Additionally, a Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame was established, with Myron Scott being its first inductee. His well-deserved induction took place in 1997, just a year before he passed away.