Pageant is a ‘tidal wave of beauty’
July 15, 1956: An estimated half a million people crowded onto Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach for what The Times called a “tidal wave of beauty” as the Miss Universe Pageant held its annual International Beauty Parade.
“No less than 72 of the most glorious girls on the globe participated in the procession of pulse-quickening pulchritude,” the newspaper said, “and it was obvious the public liked what it saw.”
“Each girl -- 28 foreign lovelies and 44 American amazers -- rode individual floats along the 2 1/2 -mile parade route, each drawing appreciative applause for face and bathing-suited figure.”
Miss Chile’s float, The Times said, was “apparently made by some sign painter who’d had too many beans.” The sign atop the float read “Miss Chili.”
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