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6th Scripps National Spelling Bee

6th National Spelling Bee
{
DateMay 27, 1930
LocationNational Museum in Washington, D.C.
WinnerHelen Jensen
Age14
ResidenceCouncil Bluffs, Iowa
SponsorThe Des Moines Register and Tribune
Sponsor locationDes Moines, Iowa
Winning wordalbumen
No. of contestants24[1]
PronouncerCharles E. Hill and Stephen Kramer[2]
Preceded by5th Scripps National Spelling Bee
Followed by7th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 6th National Spelling Bee was held at the National Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 27, 1930.[3] Scripps-Howard would not sponsor the Bee until 1941.

The winner was 14-year-old Helen Jensen of Council Bluffs, Iowa, who correctly spelled the word albumen.[4] Ruth Des Jardins of Michigan came in second after stumbling on "asceticism," followed by Mildred Froning of Indiana, who went out on "conflagration".[5][6]

The final hour of the contest was broadcast on radio, starting at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, by the National Broadcasting Company.[7]

There were 24 contestants in this year's competition.[8] The first-place winner received $1,000, while second place was awarded $500, and third place received $250.[5]

References

  1. ^ Note: Sources at the time vary on her age from 12 to 14, but public records appear to verify a February 1916 birthdate
  2. ^ (26 May 1930). Spelling, Akron Beacon Journal
  3. ^ Annual Report - United States National Museum (1930), p. 39 ("May 27, 11.30 a.m. (auditorium): The sixth annual national spelling bee.")
  4. ^ (28 May 1930). Tall Corn Girl Wins National Spelling Bee, Pittsburgh Press (noting that the 2nd place winner missed "asceticism"; Jensen had to correctly spell that word and "albumen" to win).
  5. ^ a b (28 May 1930). Iowa Girl Wins National Spelling Bee In Capital, Lewiston Daily Sun
  6. ^ (4 June 1930). Queen of Spellers, Southeast Missourian (photo of Jensen)
  7. ^ (24 May 1930). Spelling Bee On Air, Reading Eagle (Associated Press)
  8. ^ (28 May 1930). Iowa Girl, 12, Wins National Spelling Bee, Chicago Tribune (article includes a full list of spellers, their order out, and the word they missed)

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