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1942
During World War II thought is given to discontinuing the Miss America Pageant
for the duration of the war, but the decision is made that it strengthens the American spirit.
1945
Lenora Slaughter, the first female director of the Miss America Pageant, begins
a scholarship program to help contestants attend college. With public attention focused on providing opportunities for returning
GIs, she faces a daunting challenge raising funds. Undeterred, she prevails and raises the first pageant scholarship, a $5,000
award. Miss New York, Bess Myerson, wins the title and the first scholarship.
1945
In a significant
first for the evolving pageant, Myerson becomes the first Jewish
woman to be named Miss America. In an ironic historical coincidence,
she her victory occurs shortly after World War II ends and Germany
surrenders, freeing Jews from Hitler's concentration camps.
1947
Barbara Jo Walker
becomes the first Miss America to officially marry during her
reign. Her judges attend the glamorous wedding.
1948
After Miss America
director Lenora Slaughter announces that the winner will be crowned
in a modest gown rather than the traditional swimsuit, upset
reporters dismantle their equipment and attempt a boycott--until
their editors order them back. That night, Bebe Shopp, Miss Minnesota,
is crowned in a gown. As a concession, her runners-up pose in
swimsuits.
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