3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best book on SBD, October 18, 2003
This review is from: Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams: Memories of the All-American Soap Box Derby (Hardcover)
I was in Akron and Gil Klecan came into the room with a copy. I read a few pages and had to get the book.I have read it over several times.It is the best book I have ever read on the Derby.She did a lot of research to come up with a very true account.I have been in and out of the Derby since 1946. I know most of the people she mentions. Some of the stories I had heard off hand. I never have spoken with Ballard, Gronen, and Lunn.I knew of their experiences. She Filled in the missing spaces. I have spoken with quite a few of my old friends from the Derby and they all say the same thing."The book is better then they though". For someone who knew very little about the Derby she learned it fast.Had she written a fiction book on the Derby, I would not have taken it free. I raced in 1946,7,& 8. My children raced in the 70's My oldest son placed 3rd and holds the fastest time on the Akron Hill.
The chapter on The Durham Champions is superb. Sam Moore was an old friend, and a good one. Sam never told me the things he told Melanie. He was a real credit to Durham.
Gronen said,"My hat is off to the sincere and honest boys and girls who raced in the Soap Box Derby.I extend an apology to them." I take my hat off to HIM for HIS honesty.
The title Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams is the only title this book can have.
"Cheaters?" Yes, on both sides of the fence.
"Childhood Dreams?" Yes, I had them. My son made them come true. As an old SBD friend said,"Winning the local and going to Akron was like dying and going straight to heaven."
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Stories From The Soapbox, February 4, 2005
This review is from: Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams: Memories of the All-American Soap Box Derby (Hardcover)
The soapbox derby.
Originating during the thirties, what had been a simple kids game would grow to gigantic proportions and come to symbolize America at its finest. Akron, Ohio would become the Mecca of the soapbox derby. Every summer hundreds of boys would gather to race against each other. Qualifing for the Akron race was a feat in itself, each participant already having won several other matches to qualify for the honor.
Winning the soapbox derby meant riches, fame, fortune, college scholarships, the moon! The sponsors were guaranteed popularity to the infinite power, it seemed everyone came out on top! Times would pass, though, and the soapbox derby would face problems. There were inevitable instances of racisim and sexism when African-American children and girls got involved. In the seventies the derby was nearly destroyed when a key sponser pulled out in 1972 and a cheating scandal occurred in 1973. Fortunately it came back, though, and, while not as popular as it once was, still has a definite following. The history of this sport, those involved, and the numerous persona, both good and bad, that made up the sport are covered in "Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams".
Melanie Payne has gone to great detail to describe the origins of soapbox derby racing and those responsible for it. We learn how it progressed from a simple kid's hobby to a father-son (and eventually father-daughter) bonding experience, how it grew and grew and grew. There are the noble stories of intergration of black youths, of girl drivers coming into their own. Of course, there are also the not-so-noble stories of questionable decisions that left some contestants crying foul, of cover-ups on the part of officials, and of the notorious 1973 soapbox derby racing scandal in which an attempt to use an electromagnet would mushroom into a mess that tarred the entire industry as dishonest. Punches are not pulled, praise is given when praise is due, criticism is levelled when called for.
Not everyone gave this book thumbs-up, officials at the Akron soapbox derby races were so incensed by it that they refused to sell it at their meet and tried to have parts censored.
Personally, I am glad it was printed as is. It reminds us that an institution is only as noble as those that run it, and rules are made to be followed, not ignored or broken.
This is an excellent essay on a popular piece of Americana.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
CHAMPIONS CHEATERS AND CHILDHOOD DREAMS, August 25, 2003
This review is from: Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams: Memories of the All-American Soap Box Derby (Hardcover)
"A WARM AND REFRESHING LOOK AT THE WORLD'S GREATEST YOUTH EVENT... I SAVORED EVERY PAGE.. READING SOME PAGES TWICE TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER"
IT COVERS SOME STORIES FROM THE DERBY THAT I DIDN'T REALIZE HAPPENED.. SUCH AS THE LINE OF BLACK CHAMPS FROM DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA.. AND I HAVE BEEN A DERBY FAN FOR MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS.
Stan Howard
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