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Hi,
Don Wright Murphy, the founder of the Pinewood Derby was born in La Porte Indiana on April 9, 1918. Sadly, Mr. Murphy passed away earlier this year on July 1, 2008. An obituary appeared in the Daily Breeze newd publication between July 8-9, 2008.
God Bless Mr. Murphy for the lives that he touched and the 100 million + children who have participated in Pinewood Derby since 1953.
A book recounting the history of the Pinewood Derby, based upon Mr. Murphy's recollections and memorabilia. It is called Pinewood!.
In addition to founding the Pinewood Derby, Mr. Murphy also appeared a cameo role in a movie relating to the Pinewood Derby, Down and Derby. The movie project was financed by a group of adults who earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Regards
Don Murphy's book, mentioned above, is titled PINEWOOD! The Story of the Pinewood Derby. Since Don passed away in 2008, his book was not offered for sale again until Aug 2009. It is only offered for sale through the Pinewood Pro website here:
https://www.pinewoodpro.com/p/012490.html
Don's son Donn Murphy now lives in the California Bay Area.
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Who started Pinewood Derby?
Cubmaster Don Murphy organized the first pinewood derby, held on May 15, 1953 in Manhattan Beach, California by Pack 280c.[2] Murphy's son was too young to participate in the popular Soap Box Derby races, so he came up with the idea of racing miniature wood cars. The cars had the same gravity-powered concept as the full-size Soap Box Derby cars, but were much smaller and easier to build. After Don Murphy's first race in 1953 the Los Angeles County Department of Recreation copied the pinewood derby with Murphy's permission.[3] Don Murphy died July 1 2008, at age 90 of pneumonia.[4] In the 1980s, the design of the block was changed from a cutout block, consistent with a 1940's style front-engined Indy 500 car, to a solid block. The tires were also changed from narrow, hard plastic, to wider "slicks". * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinewood_derby
When was Don Murphy born?
Don Murphy was born in 1966.
When did pinewood derbies become popular in scouting?
Don Murphy, at the time Cub Master of Pack 280C in Manhattan Beach Ca, invented the pinewood derby as a way "to devise a wholesome, constructive activity that would foster a closer father-son relationship and promote craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition." He coined the term pinewood derby and invented the kit featuring a carve-able soft pine block, some nails and some wheels in a brown paper bag. He convinced his employer, North American Aviation, to sponsor the event (they paid for the kits) and some fathers in his pack built the original two lane 31 foot track complete with an electric finish line to identify the winner. The first derby was held in 1953 and became an almost instant success with it being copied by the Los Angeles County Dept. of Recreation later that year. The national organization featured "the derby" in the October 1954 issue of Boy's Life and requested that Murphy make "his materials" available for it. The derbies have changed surprisingly little in the 60 years since inception and are still regarded as one of Cub Scouting's most popular and iconic events. It is estimated that over 43 million scouts have participated in pinewood derbies.
What has the author Don Murphy written?
Don Murphy has written: 'The ranchos' 'Malcolm X in Context'
What actors and actresses appeared in Demo Derby - 1964?
The cast of Demo Derby - 1964 includes: Don MacTavish as himself
What actors and actresses appeared in Don Coyote - 1923?
The cast of Don Coyote - 1923 includes: Hayden Stevenson as Joe Murphy
Who is the founder and host of the tv dance Show Soul Train?
Don Cornelius
Who was a Famous actor in 1984?
Kevin Bacon Eddie Murphy Mt. T Don Johnson
Will there be a 4th transformers movie?
Yes. Producer Don Murphy said the 4th movie will kick of a trilogy!
When and where did baseball player Don Reynolds play?
Don Reynolds debuted on April 7, 1978, playing for the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium; he played his final game on September 30, 1979, playing for the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium.
Who were the members of the Soviets?
I don,t really know the members but I know the founder-Russia. Vladimir was the one to start the union
Where does the owner of Arizona iced tea live?
John Ferolito founded the ice tea and the co-founder was Don Vultaggio
