The story is the stuff of Beacon Journal legend.
In pursuit of an exclusive interview, intrepid reporter Helen Waterhouse arrived unannounced at the Mayflower Hotel in downtown Akron and knocked on the door of a luxury suite.
“Where will I find Jimmy Stewart?” she asked the tall, handsome man who responded to the insistent rapping.
The bemused stranger looked down and grinned at the diminutive journalist.
“Right here,” he said. “I’m him.”
“Well, for goodness sake,” Waterhouse sputtered in embarrassment.
“I gather you’re not a movie fan,” Stewart deadpanned.
Waterhouse may have been the only person in Akron – if not the United States – who didn’t recognize the Hollywood idol in August 1947.
The 39-year-old actor, who starred in such movies as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Philadelphia Story and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, was in Akron to serve as honorary parade chairman of the All-American Soap Box Derby.
It was his first derby, and it made a lasting impression.
Stewart became interested in the gravity-powered race after meeting 1946 All-American champion Gilbert Klecan during the filming of the comedy Magic Town. National derby sponsor Chevrolet had no trouble coaxing the celebrity to visit Akron for the 1947 event. Klecan went, too.
The automaker paid for Stewart’s travel and hotel expenses, and had a convertible coupe waiting for him at Akron Municipal Airport. The actor thought it was only for his use around town. He was dumbfounded when he learned that the car was his to keep.
Akron was brightly decorated with signs, flags and banners. Families from across the nation had converged to witness their young champions compete in the All-American.
Upon arrival, Stewart immersed himself in race activities. He visited Derby Downs, met with local officials and then drove out to Camp Y-Noah, where 150 racers screamed with joy when the movie star walked into the dining hall and asked whether he could join them for lunch.
Friendly and personable, Stewart shook hands with kids, signed autographs, posed for pictures and wished the champions good luck at the big race.
Nearly 100,000 spectators gawked and cheered when Stewart rode in a convertible at the derby parade. There was no bigger star in the world at the time. Kids thought he was a “swell guy,” and parents were mighty fond of him, too.
‘Magnificent spectacle’
Marching bands, floats, balloons and streamers added to the All-American revelry. Stewart, a native of Indiana, Pa., confessed that it was “the most magnificent spectacle I’ve ever seen.”
Stewart watched as colorful cars raced downhill on a sunny, 85-degree day at Derby Downs. He congratulated the individual heat winners and consoled the losers.
In the final race, Kenneth Holmboe, 14, of Charleston, W.Va., edged Eugene “Red” Miller of Akron and Richard Earl Rhoads of Kent to become the world champion.
Stewart rode in the victory parade with Kenneth and his mother, Betty Holmboe. When intrepid reporter Waterhouse tried to climb into the convertible to get an exclusive interview with the champ, Stewart gently scooped her up and placed her back on the pavement.
“Believe me, there’s nothing personal in this,” he said, recognizing the reporter who had knocked on his hotel suite.
A vow to return
Following the derby banquet at Goodyear Hall, Stewart praised the All-American Soap Box Derby as “one of the highlights” of his life.
“I’m going to make this an annual affair hereafter,” he said.
The actor kept his word.
He returned to Akron in 1948 and again the next two summers to serve as parade marshal. Each year, he took time out to go to Camp Y-Noah and visit sick children in Akron hospitals.
In 1949, he made national headlines by bringing his newlywed, Gloria, to Akron.
“The derby interrupting my honeymoon? Why, it’s included in it,” he said. “I wouldn’t miss the event for the world.”
The couple married on Aug. 9 at Brentwood Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica, Calif., and flew to Akron the next day.
“I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” Gloria Stewart said. “I wanted to come.”
“After she’s seen this year’s [derby], I won’t be able to keep her away,” Stewart said.
Surrounded by champions at Derbytown, the couple unwrapped a fancy ice bucket that was presented as a wedding gift. One fan asked Stewart whether he would return the following summer, and the actor replied: “I hope to … if they want me.”
In 1950, Stewart competed against heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey and Indianapolis 500 driver Wilbur Shaw in the inaugural Oil Can Race at the All-American. Stewart finished third and feigned embarrassment.
When Stewart regretfully missed the 1951 derby because of a family emergency, his friend Ronald Reagan was a popular replacement. Stewart returned as parade marshal in 1952, and competed for the Oil Can Trophy against comic Joe E. Brown and ventriloquist Edgar Bergen (with dummy Charlie McCarthy).
Somehow he finished behind the wooden mannequin.
“Always a bridesmaid,” Stewart joked. “I never could win one of these races.”
Speaking at the Goodyear Hall banquet that weekend, he praised the derby champions: “More than anything, you have individual initiative, pride in accomplishment and know the reward of free and fair competition.”
Stewart returned to Akron in 1957 for his sixth and final All-American. He and his wife, Gloria, brought their children Ronald, 13, Michael, 10, and 6-year-old twins Kelly and Judy.
Other celebrities that year were cowboy Roy Rogers, cowgirl Dale Evans, singer Dinah Shore and actor George Montgomery. Stewart graciously shared the spotlight, almost fading off to the side, while his famous colleagues enjoyed the adulation.
Stewart brought national attention to the All-American during his record six visits. Only six months after his death in 1997 at age 89, the beloved actor was inducted into the inaugural class of the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame.
Among celebrities, there was no bigger fan of the derby.
The All-American may have been “the most magnificent spectacle” he had ever seen, but his presence made it even more memorable for everyone else.
Mark J. Price is a Beacon Journal copy editor. He can be reached at 330-996-3850 or send email to mjprice@thebeaconjournal.com.
