MISS AMERICA 1924, RUTH MALCOMSON

MISS AMERICA 1924, RUTH MALCOMSON

Ruth Malcomson (April 16, 1906 – May 25, 1988) was Miss America in 1924, earning the title at age 18.[1]

Malcomson, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the amateur winner in the 1923 contest and returned to defeat incumbent Mary Campbell, who was seeking her third consecutive crown.[2] At the time, being only a couple of years old, the beauty contest was sometimes still referred to as "The Atlantic City Pageant," with the winner called "The Golden Mermaid."[3]

In a published article following the contest, Malcomson provided others with her 10 rules for beauty. Listed briefly, they are:
Rise early.
Eat a hearty breakfast.
Exercise.
No alcohol.
Smoking is detrimental.
Get outdoors.
Eat a light lunch.
Eat a satisfying dinner.
Early to bed.
Sleep.[4]

Miss America 1924, the fourth Miss America pageant, was held at the Million Dollar Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 6, 1924.[1][2] Mary Katherine Campbell, who won the title the previous two years, placed as 1st runner-up. Pageant officials later instituted a rule allowing competitors to be crowned only once.[3] Ruth Malcomson competing as Miss Philadelphia was named Miss America of 1924 against a field of 83 entrants, the largest number of contestants in Miss America history.[4]
Second runner-up Fay Lanphier would become Miss America 1925. Another of the finalists, Beatrice Roberts, became an actress who appeared in more than 50 Hollywood productions.