Meet Miss Subways

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hedykiesler

Story by Gabriella Cetrulo

Published on July 15, 2012 in Shop

hedykiesler

Imagine standing on a crowded train, only to look up and see a bevy of stylish, smiling women. From 1941 until 1976, the Miss Subways contest — “a search to find the loveliest subway rider” — graced New York City subway cars near and far. Created by the Subways Advertising committee to bring a little magic to an otherwise mundane commute, this hometown beauty contest displayed women’s faces and jobs, with a call to vote for the next winner. With a wide diversity of job titles (from flight attendant to FBI clerk) and a focus on integration, Miss Subways was truly ahead of its time. All told, over 200 New Yorkers were graced with the title.

Photographer Fiona Gardner and journalist Amy Zimmer have recently joined forces to locate and interview former Miss Subways. Part collective memoir, part cultural history, Meet Miss Subways will be the first book to examine the contest’s significance — both personal and historical. It’s a fascinating look at a nearly forgotten piece of New York history.

Inspired by the stylish Miss Subways of yore, these collections are dedicated to their memories.

[Pictured: 1. Leather bow ponytail holder from EmbellishedLife; 2. Natural wood necklace by theswanlake; 3. Floral print peter pan collar dress from THREADBEAT; 4. 1940s heels from shopREINVINTAGE.]

Miss Subways Marie Theresa Thomas loved to read and “adored the March wind.”

[Pictured: 1. Vintage woven straw bag from foxandbow; 2. Bow Tie garden floral necklace from jessamity; 3. Vintage '40s-'50s maillot from SweetMoonlightShop; 4. 1940s peep toe shoes from honeytalkvintage.]

“A petite, Brooklyn-born colleen,” Peggy Byrne was studying to be an insurance broker when she became a Miss Subways in 1950.

[Pictured: 1. Floral ceramic brooch by AtelierGilet; 2. Ice cream shop collar by lovesexton; 3. 1950s Full green skirt from CapriciousTraveler; 4. 1960s Peter pan collar tunic from heartcity.]

An X-ray technician with “intriguing green eyes” and a penchant for bowling, Marie Leonard was a Miss Subways 1955.

[Pictured: 1. Fraternity baseball cap from StagVintageGoods; 2. Small leather wallet by ExpressionsInLeather; 3. Vintage sneakers with pointed toes from THAYERVintage; 4. 1960s Checkered shorts from foxandfawns.]

Maureen Walsh (Miss Subways 1968) had traveled to Europe four times and was a hostess at Shea Stadium.

[Pictured: 1. Gold fringe hoops by SOFTGOLDSTUDIO; 2. Necklace by AdrianaSoto; 3. 1970s Wonder Wedge from CreamColoredPony; 4. Vintage Maxi Dress from PassionFlowerVintage.]

Marcia Kilpatrick (Miss Subways 1974) had dreams of becoming an actress and liked to photograph the setting sun.

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4 Featured Comments

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  • TheScarletSageTree

    Suzanne Furtado from TheScarletSageTree says: Featured

    What an interesting read. Though a beauty contest does evoke mixed feelings, this is a fascinating look into the past, I've enjoyed it. And I for one do wish there were more events today where women are honored and put up there on pedestals, though not with 'beauty' as a criteria. It would indeed be inspiring to see women from different walks of life, and even different parameters of success.

    312 days ago

  • WingedWorld

    Vickie Moore from WingedWorld says: Featured

    Instead of saying the height and weight of these beautiful women, I love how the descriptions describe their careers, what they are studying and their fun and creative hobbies! How refreshing instead of the incredibly destructive practice when I was a girl of announcing every Miss America candidate's height and weight, especially when they all claimed to be 5'10" and 105 pounds — impossible standards to meet. It wasn't until I was in high school track and cross country that I realized strong, in-shape, slender females weighed at least 130 pounds.

    312 days ago

  • everythingok

    everythingok from everythingok says: Featured

    This is so sweet! I love these little glimpses into the lives and dreams of everyday people from decades past. Now I really want to know what all these women went on to do.

    312 days ago

  • thehappycouple

    Brianna from thehappycouple says: Featured

    My grandmother was a Miss Subway. She immigrated to the US from Ireland when she was 5 and was very proud of her Miss Subway title. Fun article and cute collections!

    311 days ago

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