Former Miss Subways Reminisce

Yesterday some Miss Subways Pageant alum gathered for a little reunion at Ellen’s Stardust Diner (owned by former pageant winner Ellen Hart). The pageant ran from 1941 to 1977, and was revived for just one year in 2004 (under Ms. Subways). CityRoom looks at the groundbreaking nature of the organization, which crowned a Brooklyn College student as its first black winner in 1948 (she was even honored by Thurgood Marshall). The site notes that "Some historians point to Miss Subways as an important—though mostly symbolic—turning point for racial integration. The photograph of Miss Subways was on thousands of subway cars each month, and black activists believed that image of a black woman would send a powerful media message." Yesterday, the ladies talked about the current state of the subways, one declaring "The subway system is still a mess, and the MTA has a lot of nerve to want more money." Another winner from the '40s told the NY Post that back in her day "It cost a nickel to ride the subway or get a cup of coffee."