Miss Kansas Turnpike
I found two holders of the 'Miss Kansas Turnpike' title. The first was Theo Tautfest, who won the title in 1960. The second was Lois Rhodus, who held the title in 1961, while simultaneously being 'Miss Kansas City'.
Some info about the Kansas Turnpike from Wikipedia:
Some info about the Kansas Turnpike from Wikipedia:
The Kansas Turnpike was built from 1954 to 1956, predating the Interstate Highway System. While not part of the system's early plans, the turnpike was eventually incorporated into the Interstate System in late 1956 and is designated today as four different Interstate Highway routes: Interstate 35 (I-35), Interstate 335 (I-335), I-470, and I-70...
Because it predates the Interstate Highway System, the road is not engineered to current Interstate Highway standards and notably lacks a regulation-width median. To reduce the risk of head-on collisions, the Kansas Turnpike now has a continuous, permanent Jersey barrier in the median over its entire length. On opening, there was no fixed speed limit on the highway; drivers were merely asked to keep to a "reasonable and proper" limit, although, shortly afterward, signs were erected in certain stretches indicating a maximum speed of 80 mph (130 km/h).
Because it predates the Interstate Highway System, the road is not engineered to current Interstate Highway standards and notably lacks a regulation-width median. To reduce the risk of head-on collisions, the Kansas Turnpike now has a continuous, permanent Jersey barrier in the median over its entire length. On opening, there was no fixed speed limit on the highway; drivers were merely asked to keep to a "reasonable and proper" limit, although, shortly afterward, signs were erected in certain stretches indicating a maximum speed of 80 mph (130 km/h).
Clinton Daily Democrat - May 31, 1960
"Lois Rhodus, Miss Kansas Turnpike, poses in a convertible at the Kansas City Athletics American League ballpark in 1961." Source: Pageant, by Keith Lovegrove
Comments
What's incredible in this is that there actually was a woman named Theo. As in Theophila. This name should have stayed in ancient Greece.
Posted by Yudith on 12/27/24 at 05:49 AM
According to an obituary of her mother, her father’s name was Theodore Roosevelt Ted Tautfest. So presumably she’s named after him.
Posted by ges on 12/27/24 at 06:31 AM
Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests | Highways, Roads, Streets and Traffic | Transportation | 1960s