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

Ruth Malcomson
Ruth Malcomson as Miss Philadelphia in 1924
Born(1906-04-16)April 16, 1906
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedMay 25, 1988(1988-05-25) (aged 82)
TitleMiss Philadelphia 1924
Miss America 1924
PredecessorMary Katherine Campbell
SuccessorFay Lanphier
Spouse
Carl Schaubel
(m. 1931)
Children1
Malcomson (left) with her mother, 1925

Biography

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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, the relatively new 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 ten rules for beauty. Listed briefly, they are:

  1. Rise early.
  2. Eat a hearty breakfast.
  3. Exercise.
  4. No alcohol.
  5. Smoking is detrimental.
  6. Get outdoors.
  7. Eat a light lunch.
  8. Eat a satisfying dinner.
  9. Early to bed.
  10. Sleep.[4]


Her niece, Lorna Ringler Graham, was Miss Pennsylvania 1956 (and a non-finalist talent winner at the 1956 Miss America pageant), and Ruth's grand-niece, Jodi Meade Graham, was Miss Delaware 1981, who did not place or win awards at the 1981 Miss America competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Malcomson died in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania on May 25, 1988 at age 82.

References

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  1. ^ ""Miss Philadelphia" Designated "Miss America" for 1924". The Free Lance. September 9, 1924. p. 2.
  2. ^ "Miss America History 1924". Archived from the original on September 23, 2006. Retrieved December 23, 2006.
  3. ^ "Miss America". The Pittsburgh Press. November 9, 1924. p. 5.
  4. ^ N.E.A. Service (September 15, 1924). ""How I Became Miss America" - Ruth Malcomson Gives Ten Rules For Beauty". The Rock Hill Herald. p. 7.
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Awards and achievements
Preceded by Miss America
1924
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Marion Green
Miss Philadelphia
1924
Succeeded by
Annette Jackson