Ronald Reed 
Tallmadge Hill 
The Story of the 1935 All-American Soap Box Derby

In Tallmadge Hill Mr. Reed takes us through the history of the All-American Soap Box Derby. This look at founder Myron Scott’s creation begins with an idea for a competition involving young boys during the depression. It begins in 1933 as a local race in Dayton Ohio with youngsters competing in racers made from scraps collected wherever possible.Gaining interest and momentum, the derby becomes a national event in 1934 with champions from 34 cities across the country competing. The story, which is illustrated with more than one hundred historical photographs, then covers the move to Akron in1935, where 50, 000 spectators witness the race held on a hill in the Akron suburb of Tallmadge. The event is chronicled in a heat by heat description of the day’s race, complete with interesting facts and bios about each of the 52 champs. Which champ became a famous architect, which one a war hero, which one lost his life in World War II and which one played football for North Carolina University. They are all covered. Also told is the accident involving a famous broadcaster which changed the course of derby history. The story which is related in a manner easily understood by children and adults alike, is fascinating reading even for those who are not derby fans. After reading it you may become one.

About the author

Ronald Reed is first, and foremost, a derby fan. Growing up in suburban Akron, he attended his first All American race in 1949 at age seven. Since then he has missed only three. By his personal account, he has witnessed more national derby races than any living person. He never raced as a boy, lacking the skill to construct a racer. As he explains it, “The trouble was everything I made looked like I made it.”

In 1973, Ronald began carving miniature replicas of the top three racers of each year’s All-American, dating back to 1933. These cars are currently on display at the derby museum at Derby Downs in Akron. He is particularly proud of his collection of all fifty-two racers from the 1935 race.

He has also assembled and maintains the derby archives, having collected over 60, 000 photos.

He was inducted into the All-American Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in 2008.

Ronald currently resides in the Akron suburb of Mogadore, with Sandra, his wife of fifty years. Of his seven grandchildren Michelle, Kalyn, Reed, Bryson, Teghan, Calvin & Jordan; four race in the Portage County soap box derby.