16th Scripps National Spelling Bee

Spelling bee held in the United States in 1940 February 2025 16th Scripps National Spelling Bee File:Children with plaque "The Courier-Journal Spelling Bee; Trophy 1940" LCCN2016877682.tif 1940 top three. Winner Kuykendall in the center, flanked by O'Keefe on her right (Hoboken placard), and Shea on her left (Nebraska). May 28, 1940 Auditorium of the National Press Building, Washington, D.C.Article, Louisville Courier-Journal ("The match is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday in the auditorium of the National Press Club. The Bee will not be broadcast.") Laurel Kuykendall 14 Knoxville News Sentinel Knoxville, Tennessee therapy 22 Harold F. Harding 15th Scripps National Spelling Bee 17th Scripps National Spelling Bee The 16th National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, D.C., on May 28, 1940. Scripps-Howard did not sponsor the Bee until the next year. The winner was 14-year-old girl Laurel Kuykendall, correctly spelling the word therapy. Elizabeth O'Keefe, a 13-year-old girl from New Jersey, took second place after failing to correctly spell "plantain", followed by Eleanor Shea of Nebraska in third.(29 May 1940). Tennessee Girl Champ Speller, St. Petersburg Times (Associated Press) There were 22 spellers this year, and the prizes were $500 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third.(31 May 1940). National Spelling Bee Champ, Rome Daily Sentinel (photo)(9 March 2011). And the Winner Is ..., Shorpy.com (1940 photo of top three)(29 May 1940). Farm Girl Tops in Spelling Bee, Spokesman-Review (Associated Press) Harold F. Harding of George Washington University was the pronouncer. He earned a round of applause when he slipped and spelled the word "fore" himself, instead of waiting for the speller to do so.(28 May 1940). Pronounces Word, Spells It Himself, Akron Beacon Journal (paywall) ("Harold F. Harding, of George Washington university, official pronouncer for the national spelling bee finals, got a round of applause today when he pronounced the word "fore", then spelled it himself instead of watting for the speller. He blamed "nervous strain" for the slip.") References 2 Category:Scripps National Spelling Bee competitions Scripps National Spelling Bee Scripps National Spelling Bee Scripps National Scripps National Spelling Bee