Carl A. Schaubel in 1931
Tina Schaubel Pistilli
Pennsylvania has had five Miss Americas, but only one of them lived in Broomall for 33 years. Ruth Malcomson was born and raised in Philadelphia. In 1921, Atlantic City officials, casting about for ways to lure people to their town after Labor Day, came up with the Inter-City Beauty Contest, girls in bathing suits, with the winner gaining the coveted “Golden Mermaid” crown. Initially there were amateur and professional categories, and Ruth, Miss Philadelphia in 1923, won the Silver Mermaid prize as the prettiest girl in the amateur category. She returned the next year to face off against Mary Katherine Campbell, the professional title winner in 1922 and 1923.
Ruth was in competitive shape for the competition against the champion, at 5’ 6 ½” and 131 ½ pounds, her chestnut hair “in Mary Pickford fashion,” her complexion “of the far-famed peaches and cream.” The contestants paraded on the boardwalk in rolling chairs, and Ruth rode in the largest entry, depicting Betsy Ross. At the close of “one of the most exciting contests that has been held at this shore resort,” 18-year-old Ruth was crowned as the 1924 Golden Mermaid. A reporter suggested that perhaps Miss America would be a better name for the winner. The winner received a new Rickenbacker car, and a trip to France. Florenz Ziegfeld offered her a job in his Follies. Over the next year, she popped up in various locations around Philadelphia, adding her glamor to the gatherings.
When her reign was over, she chose a simpler life. She did some modeling, married Carl A. Schaubel in 1931, and during the war years volunteered at the Red Cross. In 1970 she returned to Atlantic City and appeared with Bert Parks to celebrate the 100th birthday of the boardwalk.
She married well: Carl was an avid polo player and coach, and as a member of General Eisenhower’s staff was involved in the planning for D Day. He took painting lessons from Winston Churchill while in London. After the war, he rose to president of Dunlap Printing Company, and Vice President of Administration for his alma mater, Pennsylvania Military Institute, where he played a key role in its transition to Widener University in 1972.
Ruth and Carl moved to 311 Kent Road in Broomall in 1955, and raised a son there. Two fascinating lives, living quietly among us till Ruth’s death in 1988 and Carl’s in 1990.
For more on the history of Marple, visit the Marple Historical Society website and Facebook page, and join the Society to keep up to date on coming events: www.MarpleHistoricalSociety.org.
