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By Melody Amsel-Arieli

n 1921, Atlantic City, New A Work in Progress
Jersey offered East Coast In 1923, over seventy Miss America contestants
Ivacationers far more than competed, with an estimated three hundred thousand
sun, sand, and sea. In addition spectators in attendance. Because this exciting event
to thrilling mechanical rides and attracted such a crowd, its results were later broadcast
pre-Broadway shows, it hosted on radio. Two years later, the Pageant enjoyed live,
the first “Inter-City Beauty national radio coverage.
Pageant,” an exuberant extrava- Because contestants paraded publicly in bathing suits,
ganza celebrating the fairer sex. however, religious and women’s groups charged the
This seaside competition Organization with fostering loose morals. In 1928,
launched with the dramatic despite official claims that their contestants
entry of King Neptune (its mas- were actually wholesome, respectable
ter of ceremonies) amidst a bevy young women, the Pageant was
of costumed bathing beauties. briefly discontinued.
Contest results were composed During the Great
of 50 percent audience applause Depression, it re-opened
and 50 percent official under new management. Ever
decisions based on general since it has not only increased
impressions of the contestants in respectability and popular-
combined with their final, ity but became one of the
onstage appearances. most popular cultural events in
Sixteen-year-old Margaret the country. By 1950, the
Gorman, previously crowned Pageant had become established,
“Miss District of Columbia,” featuring talent, intellect and personali-
won not only a Golden ty, bathing suit, and ball gown com-
Mermaid statue but also two petitive categories. Four years later, it
prestigious titles – “Inter-City Beauty” and “The was nationally televised. Through the
Most Beautiful Bathing Girl in America.” Some say years, the Miss America Pageant, as
she resembled Mary Pickford, a popular silver it became known, has successfully
screen star of the day. To others, she embodied the weathered evolving cultural, social,
emerging 20th-century image of strong, responsible and political challenges.
women destined to be homemakers and mothers.
The following year, more than fifty contestants
competed. Since a new “Miss District of Columbia”
had already been chosen by then, Gorman, who had
returned to defend her title, was renamed “Miss
America.” An American icon was born. At right is an example
of one of the most
striking, and certainly
one of the most sought-
after, Anchor Hocking
Center: Pageant Poster from 1925 with the accompanying trophy and Depression Glass
a photograph of Miss America 1925, Fay Lanphier, who came to the patterns –
title by way of being Miss Santa Cruz 1924, the 1925 Rose Queen, and Miss America.
then Miss California 1925. Manufactured Miss
The large silver-plated trophy awarded to “The Most Beautiful America dinner plate
Professional Bathing Girl, Bathers Revue, Atlantic City Pageant, only from 1935 to
September 8-12, 1925.” The Miss America Pageant, as it would soon 1937, it’s short life
come to be called, originated in 1921, making this one of the earliest span, as well as it’s
awards associated with the event. The trophy consists of a 17.5” x 19.5” beauty, add to the
silver-plated clamshell on a 6” x 15” circular wood base with sterling
desirability of
silver dedication plaque. photo: Heritage Auctions, www.ha.com
this pattern.
22 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles