Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Beauty and the Beach

Pageants Bring Business

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013

1. Beauty and the Beach Marker

Inscription. The first Miss California Pageant took place at the Boardwalk in 1924, drawing huge crowds. The pageant moved to the Civic Auditorium in 1966. Santa Cruz enjoyed the economic benefits of this popular event until 1985.

Faye Lanpheir, Miss Alameda, won the first Miss California crown at the Boardwalk in 1924. When she was crowned Miss California again in 1925, Faye was criticized by newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst who asked how Lanphier could be a bathing beauty if she couldn't even swim. Despite the criticism, Fay was crowned Miss America in Atlantic City that year.

Erected by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 36° 57.851′ N, 122° 1.069′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker can be reached from Beach Street. This marker is located on the grounds of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (a few steps from this marker); Burgers at the Beach (a few steps from this marker); Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Boards (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Magical Merry-go-round (within shouting distance of this marker); Fickle Fashion (within shouting distance of this marker); A Love Story (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Daredevils (about 300 feet away); The Santa Cruz Seaside Company (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013

2. Beauty and the Beach Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 542 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 25, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.