In its June 11, 1936 issue the Planters’ Press printed an article from the April 13, 1936 issue of the Shreveport Times.
“Firm in its belief that Louisiana shelters the most beautiful girl in the United States, the management of the State Fair of Louisiana has announced that a state-wide beauty pageant will be presented at the Louisiana State Fair at which time ‘Miss Louisiana of 1936’ will be chosen.”
“This will be done for the first time in the history of the Fair, and the lucky girl will be given an all-expense trip to the National beauty pageant at Atlantic City, N. J.”
“From more than 150 Louisiana towns, girls will converge on Shreveport. In each of these towns a winner will be selected. Her expenses will be paid to the 1936 Louisiana State Fair for the state pageant, and while here she will be entertained lavishly.”
“The state Fair, in affiliation with the National Beauty Pageant will sponsor these unit shows in Louisiana towns with the cooperation of schools, lodges, civic clubs, theaters, churches or other organizations. According to Fair officials, the winners at these unit shows will be given an all-expense-paid trip here for the state-wide pageant.”
“During the past few days, E.J. Jordan, regional director of the National Beauty Pageant, has been in Shreveport for the completion of arrangements.”
“The State Fair management is confident that the high plane on which these people conduct not only the unit shows but also the statewide pageant will make this one of the greatest features ever staged in the Pelican state and is proud that the Louisiana State Fair can offer this opportunity to the beautiful girls of Louisiana.”
“’We want it understood that the hundreds of girls who appear in their own home town and the lucky ones who come to Shreveport will appear only in street clothes or in evening clothes. Bathing suits are out,’ official announcements said, with emphasis.”
“The girl who is fortunate enough to win the ‘Miss Louisiana of 1936’ title will compete with the other state winners later in Atlantic City, N. J., for the title of ‘Miss America of 1936.’ There the winner each year receives a large cash award, a new automobile, a trip to Europe and a movie contract.”
“The Bossier City contest will be sponsored by the Chit-Chat-Club, and will be held in the Southland Theatre of this city.”
To discover more about the history of activities at the Louisiana State Fair which began in 1906, as well as other local fairs, come to the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center.
Ann Middleton is Director of the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center. She can be reached at (318) 746-7717 or by e-mail at amiddlet@state.lib.la.us
