https://stage.pressherald.com/2018/06/29/portlands-soap-box-derby-historic-photos-1938-1940

Local & State

Portland’s soap box derby: Historic photos 1938-40

More than 75 boys from three counties entered the derby, which was held every July. The champion was awarded "the gleaming 14-inch silver globe, known as the M.E. Coyle Trophy, a gold medal and a gold wrist watch."

Posted June 29, 2018

Updated January 29, 2020

Julia McCue

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1940: And they're off. One heat of the soap box derby race, on Park Avenue, with Portland Stadium in background. According to the published caption, Kendall Chapman, 14 of Bath, 1940 derby champion, is shown in his tiny ultra-streamlined “Miss Graymore” at the far left, speeding off the ramp soon to leave his two competitors far behind. Significantly, Chapman won the first heat and all heats thereafter. His speedy getaway is shown by his rear wheels being entirely off the ramp, which those of his two rivals still remain on it. Press Herald photo courtesy Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives

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