This information was OCR text scanned from SDHS newsletter supplements. Binders of original paper copies are in the SDHC reference library.

Former Miss Saugatuck Tells Experiences My husband and I visited your wonderful exhibit (in 2001) at the old pumphouse. I was charmed with the lovely photos and knew or had known many of the people in the black and white pictures having grown up in Saugatuck. The Village of Saugatuck, in the summer of 1956, sought a young girl to represent the town in the City of Allegan for the Harvest Queen Contest. The Harvest Queen contest was held at the fairgrounds in the county seat, Allegan. I was very honored to represent the village of Saugatuck in 1956. The town had not sent a candidate since 1930 - Mrs. Heath, the village historian, was quick to point that out in the paper. So a lot was at stake I was told. I certainly wanted to win for the Village and for myself. Dick Hoffman of the Island Queen boat was a great help to the village and me at this time. The Saugatuck Woman's Club hosted the local contest with an artist from Ox-Bow and a funeral director acting as judges. We were told to "wear a nice dress," walk, turn around and SMILE, SMILE, SMILE ! No bathing suits would be required. (fine with me.) A number of girls entered the local contest from the Village. I still hear from people about that night. For a small town it was a BIG EVENT! In Allegan the stakes became higher as we girls from all over the county competed at the fairgrounds. Miss Wayland was the number one candidate, followed by Miss Martin and then, Miss Saugatuck. I was honored to participate and was given $150 - $50 for the Village, $50 for the high school and $50 for me. The next year I crowned Linda Maas of Saugatuck and she was a lovely queen. I don't know if any of this "by gone" information will a useful to the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society, or not, but I did enjoy your exhibit. Sincerely, Michelle Boas (Heller) Miss Saugatuck,1956 Source: SDHS newsletter pg. 253