Soapbox Collection

Rabbits, 1859. Creator: William Jacob Hays
Rabbits, 1859

Minnesota State Fair: African American on soap box using hand puppet, 1900?. Creator: Unknown
Minnesota State Fair: African American on soap box using hand puppet, 1900?

A Stump Orator, 1899. Creator: Philip William May
A Stump Orator, 1899

Socialist Speaker, engraved by W. Strong, 1891 (engraving)
621404 Socialist Speaker, engraved by W. Strong, 1891 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

Young lad with a magnificent wooden toy car
Raymond, Aunt Bettys brother happily sat behind the wheel of his magnificent wooden toy car (possibly a pedal car). There is a mascot on the front of the bonnet in the form of a cat - a tin

How the Bowery Boys Amuse Themselves, 1863 (wood engraving)
1078660 How the Bowery Boys Amuse Themselves, 1863 (wood engraving) by McLenan, John (1827-65); Collection of the New-York Historical Society, USA; (add.info.: published in Harpers Weekly, March 28)

Soapbox Grand Prix 1966 at Alexandra Palace, London, 14th August 1966

Susan Denberg, actress and special guest to launch and present prizes at the Soapbox Grand Prix 1966 at Alexandra Palace, London, 14th August 1966

Soap Box Races at Stoneham Boys School, Reading, Berkshire, June 1980

Woolwich boys prepare for Soapbox Derby, 30th August 1954

Comic postcard - Two Street Urchins with their soapbox racer
Comic postcard - She ain t exactly a Rolls Royce, but she rolls fine don t she? 1934

Meeting in favour of peace, London, 1899. The Second Boer War, 1899-1902. An illustration from Le Petit Journal, 8th October 1899

Paul Deroulede, French author and politician, 1898. Artist: F Meaulle
Paul Deroulede, French author and politician, 1898. In 1882 Deroulede, along with the historian Henri Martin and Felix Faure, founded the Ligue des patriotes

SOAPBOX CAR, 1940. Soapbox auto race at the July 4th celebration in Salisbury, Maryland. Photograph by Jack Delano, July 1940

MENOMINEE COUPLE, 1908. A Menominee Native American couple standing outside a bark house in northeastern Wisconsin. Photographed by Arthur J. Kingsbury, 1908

London Street Boys and their soapbox racer
Five London Street Boys (can you spot them all?!) and their homemade soapbox racer go-cart, fitted with perambulator wheels. Date: circa 1908

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In the realm of public speaking, a soapbox holds an iconic place. Dating back to the late 19th century, it was a platform for passionate individuals to express their opinions and rally support for their causes. A vivid depiction from 1899 showcases a stump orator captivating his audience with fiery rhetoric on societal issues. Similarly, an engraving from 1891 portrays a socialist speaker using the soapbox as a tool to advocate for equality and justice. Beyond political discourse, the it also found its way into childhood play. A young lad joyfully races his magnificent wooden toy car down makeshift ramps in an image that exudes innocence and imagination. In another snapshot from history, street urchins are captured on a comic postcard proudly showcasing their homemade soapbox racer—a testament to resourcefulness amidst limited means. The significance of the soapbox extended beyond mere entertainment; it served as a catalyst for community gatherings too. In London during 1899, people assembled in favor of peace at a meeting held atop this humble platform. Notable figures like Paul Deroulede, French author and politician in 1898, utilized the power of speech from this elevated perch to influence minds and shape society. As time progressed, so did the evolution of soapboxes. The Soapbox Grand Prix at Alexandra Palace in London became an annual event by 1966—combining speed and creativity as participants raced down hills on self-built contraptions while spectators cheered them on with fervor. Even celebrities like Susan Denberg lent their charm by launching events or presenting prizes at these thrilling races. Soapbox derbies continued to captivate audiences well into modern times too: Stoneham Boys School in Reading hosted exhilarating races in June 1980 where students showcased their engineering skills through imaginative designs and competitive spirit prevailed among Woolwich boys preparing for their own derby race back in August 1954. From political activism to childhood dreams, the soapbox has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.