Happy 88th Birthday to my Grandma Marie!
I had a nice visit talking to Grandma Marie today – she was regaling me with stories about her adventure as she became 1957 Mrs. Lewis County in a contest, and then on to compete for the title of Mrs. Washington State in Tacoma and Seattle.
Here’s her memories…
When my Grandma Marie was 34 years old, she entered the Mrs. Lewis County contest after encouragement from her two sons (the youngest is my dad) and won the title. My dad, Carl, [age 8] and his brother, Cary [age 10], told their mom that she can bake a good cake so she should enter. From what my grandma remembers this was the only thing she did to win the title of Mrs. Lewis County.
Taking the Train to Tacoma WA
The next leg of her journey took her to Tacoma WA by rail – she was even able to bring my dad and his brother on the train ride to Tacoma. At this point, the 10 regional finalists participated in a few events, including cooking a meal, ironing a white shirt and sewing an apron.
My grandma cooked her favorite Salmon loaf recipe and an apple pie.
Final 4 Head to Seattle WA
After making one of the 4 finalists in this round, she traveled to Seattle next for the crowning of Mrs. Washington State. While in Seattle, she flew on a plane over the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier for an excursion afternoon. This part of the judging was on character, poise and personality – now that the homemaking abilities have been done in Tacoma. Although my grandma did not win the title of Mrs. Washington State, she recalls the receiving a post card from the winner when she was in Florida competing for Mrs. America.
Back to our family website for some more stories and NICHOLS – PARNELL Genealogy.
