Cheers erupted inside the Ward Theatre as 21-year-old stenographer Sheila Muir was crowned the first-ever “Miss Ward Theatre” in the inaugural “Miss City of Kingston” contest. Representing contestant No. 4, Muir wowed both judges and audience with poise and charm, eventually emerging victorious from a field of six contestants. 

Published Tuesday, July 24, 1962

Crowd’s favourite is ‘Miss Ward Theatre

Amidst shouts of “We want 4,” 21-year-old Sheila Muir was chosen “Miss Ward Theatre” last night in front of a capacity audience at the Ward Theatre. She is the first beauty queen to be chosen in the “Miss City of Kingston” contest, sponsored by City Cinemas.
The 5’3” winner, No. 4 in order of appearance, emerged victorious out of a field of six contestants, all wearing bathing suits. Her brown-striped outfit trimmed with brown cotton enhanced her 34-22-38 figure.
The girls paraded individually on stage before judges Mrs. Evelyn Andrade Verity and Messrs. Steve Danos and Gene Martinez. They afterwards paraded as a group, and the enthusiastic crowd kept cheering wildly for their favourite contestant.
While the judges deliberated, music was supplied by Sugar Belly and his Calypsonians and songs from Hortense Ellis.
Vere Johns, M.C., had to make several appeals for order when the audience kept shouting, “We want 4, we want 4,” and other comments.
The chairman of the judges, Mr. Gene Martinez, announced the winner, and the crowd cheered even more wildly.
Miss Muir, a stenographer at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richmond Muir of 11 Highholborn Street.
The other contestants were Barbara Beavers, Bertha Mair, Monica Leard, Lunnette Taylor, and Gladys Taylor.

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