After World War II, Soap Box derbies became a common form of family entertainment for many towns including Peapack-Gladstone and Bernardsville, NJ. The competition was open to youngsters, who constructed a “coaster car” powered by gravity. A standard kit provided the wheels and basic hardware.
Ruth Hill Thomson, local historian and writer, collected a group of photos from the Peapack-Gladstone derbies held in 1946 and 1948.
On October 6, 1946, over 1,200 people saw the derby on Pottersville Road starting around Valley View Avenue and ending at Apgar Avenue. The winner, Harry Metzler of Far Hills, won $5 and a free haircut. Kenneth Dewey of Far Hills was second. In addition to the main derby, there was also a parade of baby carriages and wagons for smaller children and a bubble gum contest.
On July 18,1948, the course moved to Mendham Road ending on Main Street. Newspaper accounts show a derby was held in 1947, but no photos from that year have been identified.
Bernardsville also hosted a soap box derby in the late 50s and early 60s that ran from Olcott Square down to the railroad station.
To see more photos of the Soap Box Derby visit THSSH Online Collections.
Please let us know if you can identify any of the people pictured.
