Derby racing in Hartley

Anyone remember when they had Soap Box Derby races in Hartley back in 1961-1968? I’m writing an article on it for a class and would love any help, information or photos that anyone may know or have!

Thanks!
Lauren

10 thoughts on “Derby racing in Hartley”

  1. rnarum

    You have likely already located the following… however, if you have not… then perhaps it will give you a lead to follow down at the Duluth Public Library…

    https://dplreference.wordpress.com/

    News Tribune
    July 9, 1967

    Starting at 1 p.m. today, 53 boys will race in the Duluth Soap Box Derby championship on the Hartley Field Derby Track. The track is one of just eleven in the country owned by a local derby.

  2. woodtick

    I do know that the actual asphalt track itself is still present, visible, and walkable – albeit quite overgrown. It is still used as a trailway.

  3. Shane

    Hartley had/has a derby track? All the times I have spent wandering the trails there, I don’t remember noticing any overgrown asphalt. Where is it located?

  5. Shane

    Yes, I found the website. I probably should have done a google search before posting my comment/question…

  6. loveAZ

    I have very fond memories of picking wild raspberries that grew right next to the track. Lovely memories.

  7. TimK

    Former Duluthian Bo Conrad won the national Soap Box Derby title some time in the 1960s. I think his mom is still in town…..

  9. TimK

    Bo’s mother has passed, but his older sister Dorthy Conrad still lives in town and has an archive of some sort.

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