Does anyone remember the Soap Box Derby? It was held on the ramp coming down Seventh Avenue from where, (I don't remember for sure, I think Orange Street). Everybody got to make their own car or scooter and then race it down the ramp. I was never in it but went every year to watch. OK, guys, who was in the derby or remembers it, or am I giving away my age.

Hi Katherine...I remember the derby was held on 7th Ave. along the train tracks between 11th St. and 14th St. in East Orange. In the late 60s it moved to Central Ave. where my good friend and former classmate, Dennis Marion, won the race and went to the Nationals in Akron, Ohio in 1968. My father was co-chair for the Newark race that year and I think we have some photos of the event. I'll see if we can find them and post them. Thanks for the memories, Bob.

I remember it well, and also remember trying to build a "soap box" car that turned out to be a real piece of crap.

I remember watching the races when they were on the 7th avenue railroad ranp by 12th street. The ramp was really steep.
I remember that the drum corp kicked off the event the year that Dennis won on Central Ave. We marched from the school and were allowed to stay and watch the derby, so you can imagine what it was like when Dennis won in front of a large SRL gathering!

i rem tye races well i was in several with my coke box mounted on roller skates , never did well.

but my friend frank hoffman from roseville eve won he was also class of 52.

i rem tye races well i was in several with my coke box mounted on roller skates , never did well.

but my friend frank hoffman from roseville eve won he was also class of 52.

Was the ramp where the races were held also the ramp that we called "Indian Hill?" Or was Indian Hill something different? And why did we call it "Indian Hill?" I haven't a clue.

That(ramp?), was always referred to as Indian hill, in my time in, Roseville,1947/1953. My ancient memory, recalls it originating in East Orange, south of the DL&W rr tracks, as Hedden Terrace. It made a left/right turn over the rr tracks, at this point it became known as Indian hill, and merged with 7th Ave. Newark

I remember going to indian hill to watch and if i remember right there were no girls in the race.

My brother Ken use to enter the races. He never won but he came close.It was exciting and fun just to watch. There was always a big crowd there. I think the wheels were got from baby carriges and wagons. I also remember Ken would make scooters from wooden crates,2 x 4, and roller skates.

Gene (60)

I was just cleaning out some stuff & found newspaper photos, manuals from the Soap Box Derby ,Chevy stuff given to the kids & my old racing helmet. Man that stuff is OLD lol

Bob, take care of that stuff -- we may need it - and I am sure John would like to take a peek at those photos.

Yes I had a best friend who entered the soap box derby races, I could remember admiring the beautiful car he constructed for the race! His name was Bobby Reilly!! lived on North 11th st between Park ave and 4th ave.!! come in good buddy!! Miss you!!!!!

Welcome to Bodholt's, Tobie. I happen to know you lived on 12th Street right near "Indian Hill." You went to Garfield, right?

Hey John C......yes I did live on 12th st!! and went to Garfield School from 1963 to 1970 when I graduated! Is this John Cooney? or John Clark? and thanks for the welcome!! I think of Newark every waking minute!! I can see this site can help me to no end!!

Sorry John C. too new to catch it, but obviously you are John Crowley. Your a few years older then me, how did you know about me living on 12th st? by the way I really appreciate you putting this site together! Pretty sad how our beautiful neighborhood is so devastated! Tell you what, growing up there never could remember a boring day in Newark! I went back and visited in 89, shocking!! Tip Top Bread being completely abandoned hit home! We used to hang out on Park Ave. nothing was the same! Gino's fast food was gone, Nick's corner fountain store on park ave and 7th street is now a laundro-mat?? lol incredible! even Garfield School looked horrible!! Was happy to see Dickie Dees was still around!! in fact Bloomfield looked pretty good still! not sure 15 years later, but I can only hope! Take care and thanks again!

The hill u r talking about wae called Indian hill.It ran from hedden pl.& orange st. up over the R,R. tracks then at the top it split.If u went to the left u went down 2 14th st.& 7th ave.
If u went right u came down to 7th ave.& 11th st. I was a contestent and won 3rd place one year i hope i answered your question.


ED Ruane

Living in Ohio now I got to see the hill used for the Soap Box Derby in Akron Ohio. It's a long sloping hill used for the final championship.