Yvonne Phillips, a 21-year-old clerk employed at Woolworth's Cosmetic Department on King Street, was crowned 'Miss Woolworth 1963' at the South Camp Hotel during the company's annual staff party. Runners-up for the title were Pearline Haughton and Avril Stevens. Yvonne, who weighed 120 lbs with measurements of 34-23-38, wore a light blue drama dress with a bell-shaped skirt and a large rose.

PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 12, 1962

‘Miss Woolworth’ crowned

MISS YVONNE PHILLIPS, 21, clerk employed at the Cosmetic Department of Woolworth’s King Street, was chosen to wear the crown and robe of “Miss Woolworth 1963” at the South Camp Hotel on Saturday night.

Runners-up were Pearline Haughton and Avril Stevens, second and third, respectively.

Miss Phillips’ measurements are 34-23-38.  She weighs 120 lbs. and her hobbies are swimming and drama.

Witnessed by over 250 members of staff and friends at the company’s annual staff party, the crowning took place just after midnight in the open air, by the pool and under a sparkling array of lights.

The ten contestants, in cocktail-length dresses, paraded before the judges to the rhythm of light music.  They had already been seen in bathing suits and judged for intelligence by the judges, and points were awarded thus: Intelligence 20; Personality 25; Figure 20; Face 15; Deportment 20.

Popular choice in colour among the girls’ dresses was white in lace, chiffon, and drama, but the winner, Miss Phillips, chose blue.

Her dress was of light blue drama fashioned in a bell-shaped shirt, featuring four large tucks meeting in a “V” at the hem.  A large self-rose was worn in the centre of the “V”.  Pale full -length gloves and white shoes completed her ensemble.

The second-prize winner, Pearline Haughton’s measurements are 36-25-38.  She wore white drama and was the only contestant wearing a tiara.  Miss Stevens, who came third, wore sky blue organza with white accessories.  Her measurements are 34-25-36.

For the crowning, the girls took their places in a U-formation on the stage and the results  were announced in 3.2.1. order.

Miss Marlene Murray, “Miss Jamaica 1962”, then decorated the queen with the red and gold satin cape and crowned her. Miss Murray also handed out the prizes.

Miss Phillips, for winning the title, will spend one week, all expenses paid, at the Arawak Hotel and receive many gifts from various business firms.

Each contestant was made up by Max Factor and will also receive a gift package of Max Factor products.

A hair-styling competition “Miss Crowning Glory” also contributed to the evening’s entertainment, and Miss Josette Morrison emerged as winner.  Second was Miss Ludella Foot (“Miss Woolworth 1961”) and third, Miss Una MacMillan.

The panel of judges, chaired by Mr Ivan Levy, were Mr John Evelyn, Mrs. V. Chinloy, Miss Peggy Samuels, Mr Ken Rhino, and Mr Winston Meeks.

Emceeing the show was Charlie Babcock, and the Vagabonds provided music for dancing until four in the morning.

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