In the 1920’s the Miss American pageant was only a few years old. It was referred to as the “The Atlantic City Pageant.”  The winner was called “The Golden Mermaid.”

Mary Katerine Campbell is the only girl to win the title twice in a row—1922 and 1923.

check out the rolled top stockings

In 1924 Ruth Malcomson from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beat out 84 other contestants, defeated Mary and earned the title.

As part of Ruth’s winning, she was given a brand new Rickenbacher car and a boat trip.

She was also offered movie roles, and Florenz Ziegfeld offered her a spot as one of his Ziegfeld Girls. As Miss America, she visited hospitals, schools, senior centers, and other areas around her native Philadelphia. Below Miss America 1924, Ruth Malcolmson, makes an appearance in a drop-waist dress popular in the 1920’s.

In a published article following the contest, Malcomson provided others with her 10 rules for beauty.
Rise early.
Eat a hearty breakfast.
Exercise.
No alcohol.
Smoking is detrimental.
Get outdoors.
Eat a light lunch.
Eat a satisfying dinner.
Early to bed.
Sleep.

During World War II, she did volunteer work with the American Red Cross and the Junior Red Cross. She married Lieutenant Carl Schaube and continued to work with the Miss America Pageant.  In 1970 to celebrate the 100th year of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ruth appeared with Bert Parks on stage.

She passed her love for pageants down, her niece was Miss Pennsylvania, and a grand neice was Miss Delaware.

Ruth died in 1988 at age 82 after a battle with cancer.