1933

The 9th National Spelling Bee took place on May 30th, 1933. It was held at the National Museum Auditorium in Washington, D.C., and 15 spellers participated.

Despite being cut in half due to the effects of the Great Depression, the $500 prize that 1933 champion Alma Roach received upon winning helped pay for her education to become a school teacher.

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About the 9th Bee

Champion

Alma Roach

Twinsburg, Ohio

Alma Roach, age 12, sponsored by the Akron Beacon Journal, won the $500 prize by correctly spelling the word “torsion.”

Alma married and became Alma Mercer. She taught in the high school of her hometown in Twinsburg, Ohio. She died in 2003.

Location

National Museum Auditorium

Winning Word

torsion(n)

TOR-shun

the act of turning or twisting : the state of being twisted.

This word is formed from a Latin element plus an English element.

OFFICIALS

Directors

Donald McWain

Pronouncers

  • Dr. Charles E. Hill

SPELLER ROSTER

  • Margaret Beattie
  • Barbara Brown
  • Betty Burns
  • Luther Gates
  • Mary Kerrigan
  • George Meltzer
  • Elizabeth Merelli
  • Rita Anne Palin
  • Feena Ratner
  • Alma Roach
  • Florence Sullivan
  • Ruth Tenenbaum
  • Sarah Wilson
  • Virginia Wood
  • Alice Worthington

* Winner
** Runner-Up