Rheingold Brewing Company in Brooklyn, New York, sponsored the
Miss Rheingold contest from
1940 to
1964 as a promotional campaign for their very popular beer. Ballots featuring the six finalists were available in grocery stores where the customers could vote for their favorite girl. Throughout the following year, the winner would be featured in
Rheingold ads on billboards and in magazines.
In
1952,
Helen Ryan and
Tippi Hedren were two of the finalists for
Miss Rheingold 1953. At that time, both
Helen and
Tippi were well-known junior models who appeared regularly in teen magazines and ads. They were both concerned that winning the contest and being prominently featured in beer ads might negatively affect their bookings for teen-related products. As it turned out,
Mary Austin was chosen the winner.
Helen continued her busy modeling career, and
Tippi became a famous actress.
A new album within
Helen Ryan's Portfolio Album has been created for scans from the
Miss Rheingold 1953 contest booklet and ads:
http://www.minimadmod60s.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=95386
http://www.minimadmod60s.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=95134
BOOKLET:MAGAZINE ADS:Thank you,
Helen, for allowing us to share the scans from your special booklet!
Susan Camp
Senior Editor & Archivist