Atlantic City’s Miss America

This past summer on our road trip down the east coast we spent some time in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  When we arrived we really 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 was 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 was held 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

Lee Meriwether became Miss America in 1955.  She was the first Miss America to be crowned 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 actually 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

Through out the hotel there were photographs of past bathing beauties and the parade on the boardwalk which was referred to as “America’s Playground” in 1926.

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

Sadly, the Miss America Pageant is no longer held in Atlantic City.  In addition to the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel’s collection, the pageant is also remembered via “Miss America Way”.  Diamonds along the sidewalk are assembled like 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 still displayed 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”!

Do you plan to visit Atlantic City?

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All Aboard the Red Caboose

   In the beautiful countryside of Lancaster County you can stay at the Red Caboose Motel right in the middle of Strasburg, Pennsylvania train country.  A couple of summers ago, we met my sister and kids at The Red Caboose and had a memorable time.  We actually stayed in a caboose one night and then the farm-house, which is on the same property another night.  It was a fun low-key weekend and the kids had a blast watching an outdoor evening movie, chasing fireflies, feeding the animals, playing on the open fields and play equipment and watching the Strasburg Train pass by.

If you are wondering what is there to do outside this unique establishment, you will find yourself right in the heart of Amish Country and can take a buggy ride right from the Red Caboose or you can go on Amish tour by  The Amish Village.  The tour is about a half hour and the kids will learn all about the Amish life style and their history and culture.

Of course since we were staying in a train we had to take a 45 minute train ride from the Strasburg Railroad and we also checked out the model train shop which was at the station.  For all those with little children who love Thomas the Tank Engine, be sure to check out the Strasburg Railroad website for dates because Day Out With Thomas occurs three times a year!  Attending the event three times when my son was little, this really is a must do at least once!

If the kids are itching to hit an amusement park and you don’t want to head out to Hershey, a closer bet is Dutch Wonderland.  There is enough rides to keep the kids happy and there is a water attraction called Duke’s Lagoon.

This was such awesome experience.  It was affordable and simple.  I mean simple in a good way too…open land, chasing fireflies and watching the train go by.

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