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Colorized version of Bathing Beach Parade, 1919. View full size.
While colorized version is nicely done, Audrey's loving cup is actually copper, not silver. Audrey is my paternal grandmother.
I'm pretty sure that Gibbs as Liberty is the first from the left - the headwear I think is a representation of the statue's.
Not sure what the two on the far left have come as :)
This is really outstanding. I'm usually not one for colorizing (because of the skin tones) but this is really exceptional. Skin tones look beautiful, hair has highlights and the colors are vibrant! Outstanding work! Bravo!
Love the Shoes & Socks!
In the photo (left-to-right): Dot Buckley, Audrey O'Connor (holding silver loving cup for "Washington's most beautiful girl in a bathing suit"), Muriel Gibbs, and Grace Fleishman (holding silver loving cup for "First prize in the costume contest"). Or perhaps the order is Gibbs, O'Connor, Buckley and Fleishman. The press description of the girls outfits is below. What do you think?
Washington Post, Jul 27, 1919.Galaxy of Beauty Parades at the Beach.
Comely Damsels in Scant Attire Win Prizes for Their Appearance.
While more than 5,000 persons clambered to each other's shoulders and to the roofs of nearby buildings to view the Annette Kellermanns at the first annual beach parade at the Tidal basin yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Audrey O'Connor, 620 Maryland Avenue southwest, was proclaimed by the judges as Washington's most beautiful girl in a bathing suit. Mrs. O'Conner wore a blue and orange jumper, blue cap and orange tights. Miss Dot Buckley, 1250 Tenth street northwest, received honorable mention in the contest. her suit was a creation in red, white and blue.
First prize in the costume contest was awarded to Mrs. Grace Fleishman, 5 Iowa circle, who wore a white silk suit, with black and white border and a white silk hat. Miss Muriel Gibbs, costumed as Miss Liberty in stars and stripes, received honorable mention. Silver loving cups were awarded to the winners of both the beauty and costume contests.
Following the parade of the score or more of the beauties between the cheering crowds of bathing beach fans, the former faced half a dozen movie machines and a battery of press cameras. Later one of the winners obligingly did a modified "shimmy dance" for the movie men.
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