End of the Commons General Store has on display the original 1960 Grand Champion Soap Box Derby car donated from winning driver Allen Frantz, of Bristolville, Ohio. Cars competing in a soap box derby race were unpowered and relied completely upon gravity to move. The winning car was sponsored by the North Bloomfield Banking Company and the 1960 Trumbull County Soap Box Derby race was sponsored by the Warren Tribune Chronicle and was one of the most celebrated local events of the era. Following the race, the Warren Tribune Chronicle used the winning derby car for promotions throughout Northeast Ohio.
After winning the 1960 Trumbull County Soap Box Derby, 14-year-old Derby King Allen Frantz then made it to the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, OH, where drivers from all over the United States came to compete. During the All American Soapbox Derby’s heyday in the 1950’s and 1960’s, famous TV and movie stars made guest appearances and as many as 75,000 people gathered to cheer hundreds of youthful racers and builders, ages 11-15, who were the champions of local races (which, in 1960, included Allen Frantz of Bristolville).
Today, the display at End of the Commons General Store features the original 1960 innovative and winning derby car along with the checkered flag, photos and memorabilia commemorating this beloved event.
End of the Commons General Store is Ohio’s oldest general store located 30 minutes northwest of Warren, in the scenic Amish community of Mesopotamia, Ohio, where Geauga, Ashtabula & Trumbull counties meet. End of the Commons General Store has been continuously run as an old fashioned general store for over 170 years! The store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest operating general stores in the United States. Kenneth & Margaret Schaden purchased the store in 1982 and the Schaden family continues to run the business today.
Stop in today to visit the general store and admire 1960 Derby car and the collection of antiques which date back to the early 1800’s. A visit to End of the Commons is reminiscent of days past; one will find a treasure of old fashioned goods, hard to find kitchen gadgets, country cafe and an antique collection that is certain to bring back fond memories of childhood.
