Margaret Gorman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaret Gorman
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| Born | August 18, 1905 Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Died | October 1, 1995 (aged 90) Bowie, Maryland, U.S.
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| Title | Miss Washington, D.C. Miss America 1921 |
| Successor | Mary Campbell |
| Spouse(s) | Victor Cahill (died 1957) |
Margaret Gorman (born August 18, 1905 – died October 1, 1995) was an American model and beauty queen. She made history as the winner of the very first Miss America beauty pageant in 1921. Before that, she was crowned Miss District of Columbia.
Becoming Miss America
Margaret Gorman was a student at Western High School in Washington, D.C. Her journey to fame began when her photo was entered into a popularity contest. This contest was held by a newspaper called the Washington Herald.
In 1921, at just 16 years old, Margaret was chosen as Miss District of Columbia. People noticed her because she was athletic, had achieved things, and had a friendly personality. Because she won this title, she was invited to a special event. This event was the Second Annual Atlantic City pageant.
The First Miss America Title
At the Atlantic City pageant, Margaret was asked to join a new competition. It was called the "Inter-City Beauty" Contest. She won two titles in this new event: "Inter-City Beauty, Amateur" and "The Most Beautiful Bathing Girl in America." She earned these titles after showing off her style in the Bather's Revue. Her grand prize was a special Golden Mermaid trophy.
Margaret was supposed to defend her titles the next year. However, someone else had become "Miss Washington, D.C." So, instead, Margaret was given a new title: "Miss America." She is the only Miss America to ever receive her crown at the end of the year.
Margaret Gorman was the lightest Miss America for many years. She weighed 108 pounds. This record was held until 1949. That year, Jacque Mercer from Phoenix, Arizona, won the title weighing 106 pounds.
Margaret later shared that being Miss America wasn't her main goal. She said, "I never cared to be Miss America. It wasn't my idea. I am so bored by it all. I really want to forget the whole thing." Even so, she kept the sea green dress she wore in the 1922 competition.
Later Life
Margaret Gorman continued to be popular with crowds in 1922. A few years later, she married Victor Cahill. They were happily married until he passed away in 1957. Margaret lived her entire life in Washington, D.C.. She became a well-known person in society and enjoyed traveling to different places.
She passed away on October 1, 1995, at the age of 90.
See also
In Spanish: Margaret Gorman para niños
