35th Scripps National Spelling Bee explained

The 35th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, District of Columbia on June 6–7, 1962, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.

Nettie Crawford (age 13) of Roswell, New Mexico and Mike Day (age 14) of Hardin, Illinois were announced as co-champions (the third tie in the bee's history) after both misspelled esquamulose, following an hour of head-to-head competition as the final contestants.^{[1] [2]} The next tie-ending did not occur for over 50 years, in the 2014 bee.^[3] Third place was captured by Barbara Brugnaux, 14, of Ohio, who was eliminated in the 15th round after misspelling xylophagous.^{[4] [5]}

There were 70 contestants this year, 48 girls and 21 boys. 718 words were used.^[6]

Notes and References

1. (6 June 2012). '62 spelling champ remembers parades, fanfares, Calhoun News-Herald
2. Maguire, James. American Bee: The National Spelling Bee and the Culture of Word Nerds, p. 78 (2006)
3. Slack, Donovon (30 May 2014). National Spelling Bee ends in a tie, King5.com (Gannett)
4. (7 June 1962). Spelling Bee Is Called Draw, Kentucky New Era (Associated Press copy)
5. (7 June 1962). Girl, Boy Compete in Spelldown Finale, Spokane Daily Chronicle
6. (12 June 1963). 69 in Spelling Bee Finals, Eugene Register Guard