1973 Clinton County Soapbox Derby
by Barry Bauer
Charlie Stiles of Lansing, winner of the 1973 Clinton County Soapbox Derby receives a congratulatory kiss from St. Johns Homecoming Queen, Ann Barber. Stiles will compete later this summer in the national championship at Akron, Ohio. Twenty other participants in the Clinton County Derby were awarded trips to Akron, following a drawing Sunday at the awards ceremony.
In the first Clinton County Soapbox Derby run without the sponsoring help of Chevrolet Division of General Motors, the St Johns Jaycees carried on the tradition of the local derby without a hitch. The Jaycees’, with assistance from Bee’s Chevy-Olds, local businesses, citizens and area Jaycee organizations sponsored their 11th annual running of the derby, a project abandoned by many communities when the Chevrolet sponsor was no longer available.
Winner of the St Johns Derby and the right to compete at the national finals in Akron, Ohio was Charlie Stiles of Lansing. He was presented with a $500 savings bond from Rollin Huard, representing Clinton National Bank, sponsor of the 1st place award.
Award for best constructed car went to Barry Flowers with car number 45 and Craig Boling in car number 4 took best designed car honors.