Pageant History • 1940s

The History of Pageants: 1940s

World War II and a Jewish Miss America • Out with Swimsuit Queens • in with Pageant Scholarships

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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, 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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