Miss Archive

In the days when women were employed almost solely in offices to type and to get coffee, the Miss Archives Contest attempted to “include” the women of the archives by holding a beauty contest for them. This 1966 beauty contest from one of the most scholarly institutions in the U.S. really shows how women in the workplace were really thought of. It wouldn’t be until about ten years later that the women who worked at the Archives would be recognized with more appropriate conferences instead of contests.

Via/ Flickr

Miss Mermaid

1949 was a boom year for beauty contests it seems! The Miss Mermaid Contest at Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida was a test of one’s underwater abilities. Seen here is the unusual parade of girls walking underwater before the judges, all of them taking occasional gasps of oxygen from tanks. You may be wondering how they getting this footage. The amusement park has long been known for its massive underwater theater with clear tank. Performers in this theater had to be able to hold their breath for a long time and be able to maneuver easily in the water. We wonder how many of these winners were then offered a job in the show! Today, Weeki Wachee Springs boasts an elaborate and fantastical mermaid show for tourists.

Click the “Next Page” button to see Miss Steel Pier, Miss Flashbulb, and more!
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