The 1929 Bunion Derby: Johnny Salo and the Great Footrace across America

Acknowledgments

xi Acknowledgments TO TELL THE STORY of the 1929 Bunion Derby, I reviewed articles from eighty period newspapers from cities and towns along the 3,554-mile course, memoirs from the runners, Works Progress Administration (WPA) State Guides, and many secondary works. I could have never gathered the primary materials without the help of an army of newspaper editors, archivists, and librarians from cities and towns along the course. I want to express my sincere thanks to John “Charley” Stone for letting me use his treasure trove of photos and primary documents. Charley was born while his father, John Stone, ran the 1928 race and was one of two Bunion Derby babies born during the first derby. I am also indebted to Pete Gavuzzi’s grandson, Guy Gavuzzi, for the use of his photos and to author Mark Whitaker for introducing me to Guy. I owe a special thank you to author and runner Rob Hadgraft for the use of his photos and for his help and support while I was writing this book. I also wish to thank Nicki Leone and Dick Lipsey for their editorial expertise. And, finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, Mary. She never wavered in her support for me during the thirteen years I spent learning and writing about the 1928 and 1929 Bunion Derby races. ...