25th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 25th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, District of Columbia on May 22, 1952, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.

25th Scripps National Spelling Bee
DateMay 22, 1952
LocationDepartment of Commerce auditorium, Washington, D.C.
WinnerDoris Ann Hall
Age13
ResidenceHudson, North Carolina
SponsorWinston-Salem Journal
Sponsor locationWinston-Salem, North Carolina
Winning wordvignette
No. of contestants51[1]
PronouncerBenson S. Alleman
Preceded by24th Scripps National Spelling Bee
Followed by26th Scripps National Spelling Bee

Competition

The winner was Doris Ann Hall, 13, of Hudson, North Carolina, correctly spelling the word vignette.[2] Second place fell to Majorie Follart, 33, of Crafton, Pennsylvania, who failed to correctly spell "farraginous", followed by Mary Ellen Rusk, age 12, of Washington in third place.[2] Follart, a return speller, could also spell any word in reverse.[1] Hall had also been in the prior year spelling bee, but had missed spelling the word "condign".[3]

505 words were used in the competition.[4]

There were 51 contestants this year, 31 girls and 20 boys, ranging in age from 10 to 14.[1]

Benson S. Alleman was pronouncer.[5] The first prize was $500 in cash (plus a loving cup and a plaque for the winner's school), and an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Second place received $300, and third $100; the lowest prize to any contestant was $40.[1]

References
  1. (22 May 1952). Spelling Bee Listed Today: Winner of National Event Will Get $500, Appear on Television, Reading Eagle (Associated Press)
  2. (23 May 1952). Girl, 13, Wins Spelling Bee on 'Vignette', Chicago Tribune (Associated Press)
  3. (5 June 1952). "Vignette" Makes North Carolina Girl A Champion, Duplin Times
  4. (21 May 1953). Kids Line Up To Do Battle With Webster, Eugene Register-Guard (Associated Press)
  5. Edson, Arthur (22 May 1952). Spelling Bee Pronouncer Amazed at Kids' Ability, St. Petersburg Times
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