1926 International Pageant of Pulchritude

The contestants began to arrive in Galveston on May 13. Señorita Mexico Maria Martha Perres and Miss Winnipeg Patricia O'Shea, both international entries, notably arrived on that first day, amid a crowd of curious onlookers. The opening parade was held on May 15, with the pageant itself held on May 16.[3] The prizes were given out at the American Beauty Ball, held at the Garden of Tokio in Galveston, which was accompanied by music from various bands such as the Missouri Pacific band, and the Southern Pacific band.[4]

I'm really overwhelmed by the results of the pageant, and my good fortune is almost more than I had hoped for. But I really don't feel much different than yesterday, when I was no more than 'Miss Dallas.'

— Catherine Moylan, Beauty Queen of the Universe 1926, Galveston Daily News [5]

Miss Dallas, Catherine Moylan, won first place in the pageant and was crowned Beauty Queen of the Universe. It was the second time in a row that Miss Dallas won the competition.[1] For winning, Moylan received $2000, and a gold and silver plaque engraved with "Beauty Queen of the Universe". After the competition, Moylan had revealed in an interview that she would use the prize money to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She also gave credit to Dorothy Stahl, her coach, for her win.[5]

The second-place winner received $1000, the third $250, and the remaining nine places received $100 each.[6]

Judging was based on "beauty, form, grace, and personal charm." Costumes, props, and other decorations were not considered.[6]

The 39 contestants of the First International Pageant of Pulchritude line up at the beach in Galveston, Texas.

Thirty-nine women entered the contest in 1926, with most coming from Texas and its surrounding states. The presence of contestants Maria Martha Parres from Mexico and Patricia O'Shea from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, made the competition Galveston's first international event.[7]