Rare color photographs capture the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Miss America 1957, the 30th Miss America pageant, was held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 8, 1956, on ABC. Forty million television viewers watched Marian McKnight, of Manning, South Carolina become Miss America 1957. She imitated Marilyn Monroe in the talent competition. Upon her victory, her town of 2,775 people went into action. All entrances and exits to the town were blocked by the Fire Department. All travelers were stopped, served refreshments and invited to join in the celebration.

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Rare Color Photographs of the 1957 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey