1953
Winner: Lorene Washburn, Tulsa
Miss OKC Helen Hyde Harding (Tied for first place!)
MIss Ponca City, Jackie Troup, Miss Congeniality
Miss Stillwater Laveda Stites
There were only 4 contestants in the 1953 Miss Oklahoma Contest. Tulsa and OKC tied with 76 points each. After consulting the Miss America rulebook, a voice vote was taken, and the judges awarded the crown to Miss Tulsa, Lorene Washburn (3-2).
LoRene Washburn, Miss Oklahoma 1953
Helen Hyde Harding sang while the audience watched a video of her swimming!
La Vita Stites, Miss Stillwater 1953 was Charlie Welch's first local contestant. He went on to become the director of the Miss Oklahoma organization for many years. His daughter, Kay, is still the director today!
Jackie Troup is a legendary tap teacher in Dallas, TX. She danced in the film "Singin' in the Rain," toured with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra, and worked with Donald O'Conner.