The First Winner is…

Fri, May 30, 2008 - 6:25 PM

Frank Neuhauser, a legend in this hall, is sitting right in front of me. Spellers keep filing past to have them sign their "Bee-keeper" autograph books they each have been carrying around all week.

Neuhauser, 94, won the 1925 bee with the word gladiolus. He was sponsored at the time by Louisville Courier-Journal.





He went on to become an engineer and then a patent attorney lawyer. For his first place finish in the 1925 bee he won $500 in gold. Upon winning the bee, her husband rode in a parade in an open-top car with the mayor of Louisville.

He enjoyed another honor just now -- a standing ovation from the 2008 crowd.

On stage, he said, "It was much easier back then. I'd never make it now"

--Neil H. Simon