Portraits of Miss America 1924, Ruth Malcomson

Ruth Malcomson (1906 – 1988) was Miss America in 1924, earning the title at age 18. 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. At the time, being only a couple of years old, the beauty contest was sometimes still referred to as “The Atlantic City Pageant,” with the winner called “The Golden Mermaid.”

In a published article following the contest, Malcomson provided others with her 10 rules for beauty. Listed briefly, they are:

Rise early.
Eat a hearty breakfast.
Exercise.
No alcohol.
Smoking is detrimental.
Get outdoors.
Eat a light lunch.
Eat a satisfying dinner.
Early to bed.
Sleep.