The above mentioned image is from the 196Something or Other Miss Heart of Ohio Pageant. Miss Heart of Ohio is an intermediate step pageant held in Marion Ohio for young ladies in North Central Ohio. The crowned winner steps up to Mansfield, Ohio's Miss Ohio Pageant. If selected Miss Ohio, the winner then steps up to the national Miss America Pageant.
It's really important that we remember that the Miss America Pageant is a
scholarship based event, where brains matter as much as talent and poise.
And if you think "what kind of chance would a girl from Podunk City, Ohio" can win a national pageant, one should remember that
Marilyn Meseke from little old Marion, Ohio was crowned Miss America in 1938, the first year that talent was incorporated into the pageant AND the first time the pageant was broadcast live to an eager nation.
And if you dare, the Marion County Historical Society has her four foot trophy, cape and tiara all on display.
It just goes to show you that any of us can be Miss America, if we try really hard.
