Miss Crustacean
In 1951, Meta Justice became the first "Miss Crustacean." She was awarded the title at the annual crab derby in Crisfield, Maryland. She died last year (2022), and her obituary mentions the title. So it must have been something she was proud of.
In 1952, the festival committee decided to change the title from "Miss Crustacean" to "Miss Hard Crab Derby." They explained that Miss Crustacean "turned out to be altogether too cryptic, with people in general not understanding what it meant."
However, in subsequent years the title reverted to being "Miss Crustacean." Evidently that was less cryptic than "Miss Hard Crab Derby."
The annual tradition of bestowing the title of "Miss Crustacean" on a young woman continues to this day in Crisfield. Check out the highlights of the 2019 competition below.
More info: National Hard Crab Derby
Salisbury Daily Times - Aug 27, 1951
Baltimore Sun - Aug 27, 1951
In 1952, the festival committee decided to change the title from "Miss Crustacean" to "Miss Hard Crab Derby." They explained that Miss Crustacean "turned out to be altogether too cryptic, with people in general not understanding what it meant."
However, in subsequent years the title reverted to being "Miss Crustacean." Evidently that was less cryptic than "Miss Hard Crab Derby."
Baltimore Evening Sun - Sep 1, 1953
The annual tradition of bestowing the title of "Miss Crustacean" on a young woman continues to this day in Crisfield. Check out the highlights of the 2019 competition below.
More info: National Hard Crab Derby
Comments
Ooooo, this was very likely the inspiration for John Water's beauty pageant in the movie Hairspray.
I am not surprised, as Mr. Waters used real-life people and events to create characters and plot elements.
I am not surprised, as Mr. Waters used real-life people and events to create characters and plot elements.
Posted by Patrick on 07/21/23 at 08:56 AM
Harlan Crow: "I never Meta Justice I couldn't bribe."
Posted by ges on 07/21/23 at 11:42 AM
Did she have crabs ?
Posted by F.U.D in Stockholm on 07/21/23 at 02:42 PM
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Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests | Oceans and Maritime Pursuits | 1950s