The Chicago Tribune’s idea about finding the most beautiful woman in America really took off! In addition to the prestige of such a title, there was a cash prize associated with the title. The most beautiful woman in America would receive $100 (about $3,300 in 2024). The nine runners up would win $10 apiece (about $330 today).
In looking at the pictures of these contestants I wondered about whether they chose to submit their photographs or if they were submitted by family, friends, etc.
One of the women in this post was judged to be the Most Beautiful Woman in America. The contestants were narrowed down to a small fraction of the women whose photographs were submitted. Some are classically beautiful, some are attractive, some (I would say) are average.
Can you pick out the winner? If you want to guess, put the group number and the specific woman’s name (e.g., Group 1, Miss Brasher) or her location on the page (e.g., Group 1, top row, first woman on the left) The answer will be revealed shortly!
As a side note, one thing that always makes me laugh about the beauty standard in this era was the way women were frequently posed in formal photographs. The photographers seemed to love posing their subjects so they appear to be gazing at something off camera that’s at an extreme angle. There are a few examples of this, like Group 3, Miss Tressie Hertzog or Group 4, Miss Jane Ferguson. Miss Ferguson is making the exact expression I make if I look up and see a spider on the wall.
Group 1:
Group 2:
Group 3:
old spirituals 
Group 2, Miss Vera Woodward.
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Good choice, Jax! Miss Woodward seems classically beautiful!
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I was drawn to Miss Woodward because of her simple beauty and innocent look. I also find “Mrs. C. D. Patterson” and “Miss Helen Russell (???)” in Group 4 to be strong candidates.
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Answer will be revealed today! Stay tuned!
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If I were guessing, I would have also guessed Miss Van Arsdol!
Your last suggestion made me laugh. You do have a way of getting right to the heart of things! 🙂
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I have a crazy sense of humor. My overall choice is Miss Van Arsdol because she reminds me of my oldest granddaughter.
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Wow, she must be a beautiful girl!
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#6 for sure! Ha ha!
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My guess is Group 5, Miss Oliver L. Minge
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Okay, good choice!
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hahaha, I love your comment about the “spider on the wall” expression! Many of them definitely look bored or even irritated with having their picture taken. I’m guessing that is probably the result of an overly demanding photographer.
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You know that is such a smart point! I’m not photogenic so I don’t like having my picture made. Usually photographers want to keep taking photos looking for a really good shot. If I’m the subject, the first picture is almost always the best. Later I get that spider on the wall look too!
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