This past summer on our road trip down the east coast we spent some time in Atlantic City, New Jersey. When we arrived, we didn’t have a plan and figured we would just stroll down America’s first and longest boardwalk. I was excited to enjoy some saltwater taffy, and my son was excited to play miniature golf and enjoy the rides at Steele Pier.
One thing I wasn’t expecting to do was to learn about the Miss America Pageant. I was quite surprised after checking into to our hotel to find the world’s largest Miss America memorabilia collection in the lobby of the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. Now I’ll admit my son could have cared less about the collection, but I had swept away in memories of when I was a young girl watching the Miss America Pageant on television. Honestly, until I was standing in the middle of the collection, I had forgotten that the Miss America Pageant use to be in Atlantic City from when it started in 1921 until 2005. In 2006, the pageant moved to Las Vegas after disputes over local funding and network television coverage.
The Collection
There were several dresses on display including the first Miss America, Margret Gorman’s sea green chiffon and sequined dress and the Statue of Liberty crown she wore in the 1922 competition.
The first Miss America, Margaret Gorman (1921)
Marian Bergeron was crowned Miss America in 1933 and wore a dress that resembled a Mardi Gras gown which is pictured below.
Marian Bergeron, Miss America 1933
The 1943 Miss America was Jean Bartel and is known for starting the Miss America Scholarship Program.
Jane Bartel, Miss America 1943
In 1955, Lee Meriwether as received the crown for the first time on television.
Lee Meriwether, Miss America 1955
In 1967, winner Jane Jayroe wore the blue dress below. During her time as Miss America, she traveled to entertain the troops that were serving in the Vietnam War.
Miss America 1967, Jane Jayroe
The 1971 winner of the Miss America Pageant was Phillis George who also went on to become the first female sportscaster on national TV.
Miss America 1971, Phyllis George
Below is the dress of Miss America 1986, Susan Akin. Her dress reminds me of one of my formals I wore my freshman year in college.
Miss America 1986, Susan Akin
Also showcased were nostalgic pageant treasures like the Golden Mermaid Trophy and the Miss America Crown and Scepter.
The Golden Mermaid Trophy
Miss America Crown and Scepter
In 1926 the boardwalk was referred to as “America’s Playground.” Throughout the hotel, there were photographs of past bathing beauties and the parade on the boardwalk.
History on the Sidewalk
The history of the Miss America Pageant continues upon leaving the hotel. Along the side of the building, there were plaques and shadow boxes with interesting facts about past winners like Vanessa Williams who became the first African-American Miss America in 1984 and Heather Whitestone who became the first woman with a disability to win the crown in 1995.
For fun, you have to check out the statue of Bert Park, the original master of ceremonies of the Miss America Pageant. Make sure you step under the crown for a photo op. My son thought it would be silly, so he vetoed my “Here She Comes” moment.
Bert Parks Statue
In addition to the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel’s collection, you can find an homage to the pPageant via “Miss America Way.” Diamonds along the sidewalk resemble the Hollywood Walk of Fame with each winner’s name from 1921 to 2005.
Miss America Walk of Fame
Good News
If you have a thing for beauty pageants or just find the history along the Atlantic City boardwalk interesting, I have good news. The Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel was unscathed by Hurricane Sandy, and the Miss America collection is the main attraction in their beautiful lobby. I am sure the Jersey Shore, specifically Atlantic City will be doing everything they can to rebuild the historic boardwalk community and it’s landmarks in the aftermath of the storm. I hope many people will support their tourism. Just remember to check out the amazing Miss America Exhibit after you hit the casinos and enjoy a meal at the historic Tun Tavern. I am sure you will leave singing “Here She Comes, Miss America”!
Hello,
I’m the curator and designer of the Miss America collection in the beautiful Sheraton Hotel in atlantic city. Your article was wonderful, and such a pleasure to read. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed our collection. Visitors really enjoy seeing the gowns and memorabilia which is not only a part of American history, but unique to Atlantic City.
I have about 40 Kodaslides (color) of Miss America Pageant and Parade. I wonder is there some one who is preserving these. I’d love to sell them to an avid collector.