The 28th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, D.C., on May 19, 1955, with the final rounds at the Department of Commerce auditorium, and was sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.Sandler, Gilbert (14 June 1994). All the way to M-E-E-R-S-C-H-A-U-M, The Baltimore Sun
The winner was 13-year-old Sandra Sloss of Granite City, Illinois, correctly spelling the word crustaceology.(21 May 1955). Champ Meets Ike, Spells Word That Stumped Him, Jamestown Post Journal (Associated Press) Jean Copeland of Prescott, Arizona, placed second.(21 May 1955). Spelling Bee Champ Visits Eisenhower, Lewiston Daily News (Associated Press)(18 April 1955). Junior High Pupil Wins Capital Trip, Prescott Evening Courier Naomi Klein, 12, of Brooklyn, New York, placed third after missing quincunx. The prior year's runner-up, William Kelley of Kennett, Missouri, placed fourth.
There were 62 contestants in the 1955 Bee, 37 girls and 25 boys, ages 11–14.(19 May 1955). Young Spellers Hard to "Toss", Spokane Daily Chronicle Three contestants were black, noted to be a new record at the time.(19 May 1955). 19 Students Eliminated From Spelling Bee Field, The Miami News (Associated Press)
The first place prize was $500, the last year before the grand prize was doubled to $1,000. Second place received $300, and third $100.(19 May 1955). Girl Holding Trophy and Plaque, gettyimages.com(20 May 1955). 'Crustaceology' Wins National Spelling Bee, Wilmington Morning Star The next 20 received $50 each, and the remaining 39 received $40 each.
References
External links Spelling Trouble - Pathe News, 2 minute newsreel footage of 1955 Bee