The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1937-11-24
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By RUSSELL KAY
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I
| While other states may brag of
their "soap box" derbies, if the
Florida Waterways Congress has
its way, Florida may establish a
name for herself as the home of
the orange box" derby.
The novel idea, Matched in the
fertile brain of Walter F. Coach
man, Jr.. chairman of the Con-
gress, is designed to educate boys
and girls of Florida as to the
value and use of the states envi-
able waterways system.
A few years ago someone con-
ceived the bright idea of staging
a so-called "soap box" derby, and
prizes were offered kids who de-
Isigned and built the most unique
and speediest homemade coasters
constructed as miniature motor
cars.
The idea caught on and in no
time ''soap box" derbies were be-
ing staged all over the country
and the winning kids won trips to
the National Soap Box Derby, an
event of such Importance that
sports editors OF great press serv-
ices assigned their best men to
cover it, newsreel companies We'd
with each other for favorable
shots, and both great broadcasting
chains cleared all channels to put
the event on coast-to-coast hook
lups.
Last summer in Ohio it was my
privilege to witness the event and
/ was truly amazed at the interest
and enthusiasm 1T created, not
only among the kids but with thou
sands of spectators. Rivalry was
keen, states and cities sent delega-
tons to boost and encourage their
entries. Dignitaries of national
reputation greeted and feted the
winners; manufacturers showered
them with prizes and awards;
newshawks and camera men
swarmed over them in droves.
Under the plan of the Water
ways Congress, desirable prizes
Twin be offered boys and girls at
IA certain minimum cost and en-
ter them in competition at re-
gattas to be staged at various
points in the state.
Counties, communities and sec
tions viii be urged to enter con-
testants and stage local elimina-
ton winners to be sent
to a state contest at later date.
Unrivaled waterways are one of
the states greatest assets and it
is fitting indeed that Florida, with
her glorious coastline, her count
less beautiful lakes and many
scenic rivers, should employ this
practical means of making the
youth of the state conscious of
this great natural advantage and
encourage them to take an active
interest in the further develop
ment of this God-given resource.
The plan has limitless possible
ties and would serve to advertise,
as nothing else could, the advant-
ages Florida offers the yaehtsman
and waterway enthusiast. The sue
cessful staging of such a contest
would undoubtedly lead other
states to sponsor similar events
and in time perhaps a National
Orange Box Derby would result.
Florida has long overlooked a
real opportunity in not pushing
harder than she has the improve
ment and development of her wa
terways. Yachtsmen will seek
Florida waters when we bring to
their attention the opportunities
this state affords. The comple-
/ ton o. the crOss-state canal and
the connecting Of a few important
/ links would make this state a
| yaehtsnlan's paradise and would
bring millions IN new business TO
every section Of the state.
/ The proposed orange box
derby IS step IN the right diree-
ton Every Florida community
/ saoald cooperate in the plan and
encourage the youth Of their COM