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The Classics

Photo Flashback: Parish Queens, 1965

Published:Friday | July 4, 2025 | 7:24 AM
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Mavis Donaldson, 18-year-old Manning's High School student, who was selected and crowned 'Miss Westmoreland' at the town hall, Savanna-la-Mar, on Friday, July 2, 1965. She is flanked at left by Sonia Turner, who was runner-up, and third-placer, Elena Khan.
Mildred Levy, 21-year-old clerk in the St Catherine Parish Council's office, who was selected and crowned Parish Queen for St Catherine 1965 on Friday, July 2.
Four of the beauties on a floating raft in the pool at the Runaway Bay Hotel, where Jean Christie, seated on her throne, was crowned 'Miss St. Ann' by Miss Jamaica 1964, Mitzie Constantine (back right). The other two beauties are runner-up Virginia Redpath, wearing the Pan American sash (back left), and Sydney Stewart, 'Miss Max Print', who placed third in the St Ann Parish Finals on Saturday, July 3, 1965.
Theresa Hamilton, 19, being crowned 'Miss St Thomas' by Joe Lee, JP, chairman of the St Thomas Jaycees.
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In the summer of 1965, young women from across the island competed for the honour of representing their parishes in beauty and talent competitions. From the stages of town halls to the poolsides of elegant hotels, these queens were crowned in ceremonies that drew crowds and celebrated grace, poise, and community pride. Here are some of the memorable moments from those coronations.