Beauty Contest - Venice Beach, CA
We're right in the thick of Summer, and I thought it would be fun to look at some photos from Venice, California, from sometime in the 1950s (I would guess roughly 1955) - a beauty/swimsuit contest! You can practically feel the sunshine, hear the nearby ocean, and smell the Sea and Ski.
Look at that crowd! This was quite a popular event; and I can see why. There were many fabulous beauties, such as this lovely lass. I noticed the words "Joey Baker: Real Estate" on the building to the left, and discovered that Joey Baker was "a pioneer in Venice Real Estate for over 50 years". He passed away in 2013.
The first one is my favorite. No, wait, THIS one is my favorite! I wonder if any of these young ladies went on to fame and fortune?
In searching Google to try to figure out the exact spot where this event took place, I found that distinctive brick building in the distance, I'm pretty sure it's the same building as seen (partly obscured now) in the newer view. This is the famous Muscle Beach part of Venice, named after Sir Albert Muscle.
Seriously, how can you choose a winner? They are all winners in my book.
As Shaggy from "Scooby Doo, Where Are You?" might say, ZOIKS.
One could argue that this cutie in pink is the classic "California Girl", but it's not nice to argue. There is a woman playing piano accompaniment, what song would be appropriate? To the left, an officer of the law and a military man keep everyone safe.
Well well well, we know who won. I tried to figure out what year Venice Beach had a Surf Festival that went from July 10th through to August 14th, but had no luck.
I hope you have enjoyed this vintage beauty contest!
4 comments:
Major-
Hubba... hubba-! (But where are the two piece bathing suits-? Too risqué for the 1950's-?) As far as a music selection is concerned - "The Stripper" always works for me.
Thanks, Major.
Leave it to Major to post such UPLIFTING ( ahem..) photos ….
Major, I'm gonna nudge the time of these photos ahead a couple of years and say 1962. No reason, really. They just have that 'look'.
The "Zoiks" gal (in white) is really workin' that pose! And the guy in the black shirt with charcoal gray slacks looks particularly eager to get a picture of that pose. (Major, the full-size image isn't showing up.)
Maybe Piano Lady is playing "A Pretty Girl is like a Melody"? Or maybe some nice church music; "Rock of Ages" perhaps. ;-p
I think they picked the right one; the "classic California Girl".
This definitely fits into the "anything goes" Saturday category. Thanks, Major. (Hey, maybe Piano Lady is playing "Anything Goes"?
Maybe that pianist was playing "Muscle Beach Party and maybe Annette Funicello came out and sang it......"Flex your muscles for kicks now, now, now!" But I guess that isn't possible since that song (and movie) didn't come out until 1964.
It's funny that they had to have directional arrows painted on the stage. How hard is it to remember to walk down the runway, turn right at the end, step up on the box, pose, step off of the box, turn around and walk back up the runway?
Thanks, Major! Don't forget to "take your vitamin pill, now!"
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