• 1967 Miss Pickle pageant contestant. Photo: Barney Peterson, San Francisco Chronicle
Photo: Barney Peterson, San Francisco Chronicle
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1967 Miss Pickle pageant contestant.
1967 Miss Pickle pageant contestant.
Photo: Barney Peterson, San Francisco Chronicle
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1960 Miss Good Posture contestant.
1960 Miss Good Posture contestant.
Photo: Chronicle Archives, San Francisco Chronicle
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Original caption: 1965, Any Seal would be silly to bite the hand that feeds him, especially one belonging to these lovely finalists for the 'Miss Seals' title. Jackie Long, Linda Fenger, Dannelle Bernards, O'Mally O'Connor, Karin Dahl and Susan Mareux did the zoo bit and will be among ten contestants in the final selecting on Monday at the Fairmont Hotel. less
Original caption: 1965, Any Seal would be silly to bite the hand that feeds him, especially one belonging to these lovely finalists for the 'Miss Seals' title. Jackie Long, Linda Fenger, Dannelle Bernards, ... more
Photo: Chronicle Archives, San Francisco Chronicle
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Contestants in the 1966 Walnut Festival. L to R: Anita Tanner, Christina Torry, Dine Herman, Ilianna Newman, Linda Ulrich
Contestants in the 1966 Walnut Festival. L to R: Anita Tanner, Christina Torry, Dine Herman, Ilianna Newman, Linda Ulrich
Photo: Chronicle Archives, San Francisco Chronicle
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1973 Ms. California Counter Pageant. L to R: Kathleen Malley (Ms. Judged), Diane Neu (Ms. Labeled), Jessica Wick (Ms. Laid)
1973 Ms. California Counter Pageant. L to R: Kathleen Malley (Ms. Judged), Diane Neu (Ms. Labeled), Jessica Wick (Ms. Laid)
Photo: Barney Peterson, San Francisco Chronicle
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1960 Miss Photo Queen. L to R: Gigi Galon, Dee Wilson, Penny Lovelock, Jo Ann Richards, Juanita Schaeffer
1960 Miss Photo Queen. L to R: Gigi Galon, Dee Wilson, Penny Lovelock, Jo Ann Richards, Juanita Schaeffer
Photo: Gordon Peters, San Francisco Chronicle
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1963 Miss White Collar contestants. Top row L to R: Irene Malyk, Marina Engelman, Betty Benson, Mary Rogozin, Nina Sorenson, Melanie Janes. Bottom L to R: Molly Graves, Janet Gilmore, Patricia Bruno, Sue Moss, Carolyn Kenneg, Sandra Johnstone less
1963 Miss White Collar contestants. Top row L to R: Irene Malyk, Marina Engelman, Betty Benson, Mary Rogozin, Nina Sorenson, Melanie Janes. Bottom L to R: Molly Graves, Janet Gilmore, Patricia Bruno, Sue Moss, ... more
Photo: Barney Peterson, San Francisco Chronicle
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1965 Miss Seals competition. L to R: Jackie Long, Leanne Marsh, Linda Fenger, Brandy Courtney, K. Danelle Bernads, Susan Mareux
1965 Miss Seals competition. L to R: Jackie Long, Leanne Marsh, Linda Fenger, Brandy Courtney, K. Danelle Bernads, Susan Mareux
Photo: Chronicle Archives, San Francisco Chronicle
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1968 Miss Home Body contest. Contestants L to R: Marcie Blagi, Vivian Ferris, Lee Gutherie (3rd place), Sharon Harper (winner), Karen De Antonio, Vivian Pounds, Donna Aveni (2nd place)
1968 Miss Home Body contest. Contestants L to R: Marcie Blagi, Vivian Ferris, Lee Gutherie (3rd place), Sharon Harper (winner), Karen De Antonio, Vivian Pounds, Donna Aveni (2nd place)
Photo: Peter Breinig, San Francisco Chronicle
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1961 Miss Correct Posture Pageant. Winner Rosemarie Schreier (right), Nancy Maglione (behind Schreier), runner-up Claire Trimingham (last in line).
1961 Miss Correct Posture Pageant. Winner Rosemarie Schreier (right), Nancy Maglione (behind Schreier), runner-up Claire Trimingham (last in line).
Photo: Barney Peterson, San Francisco Chronicle
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1967 Rose of Tralee contestants (front) and Ann Healy Irish dancers (back). Contestants L to R: Winifred Kelley, Carmel Kelley, Mollyanne Eagan, Ann Moriarty, Joan O'Connor
1967 Rose of Tralee contestants (front) and Ann Healy Irish dancers (back). Contestants L to R: Winifred Kelley, Carmel Kelley, Mollyanne Eagan, Ann Moriarty, Joan O'Connor
Photo: Gordon Peters, San Francisco Chronicle
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1962 Purim gals. L to R: Adrianne Garfinkel, Donna Lee Lowenthal, Susan Carol Thorne
1962 Purim gals. L to R: Adrianne Garfinkel, Donna Lee Lowenthal, Susan Carol Thorne
Photo: Barney Peterson, San Francisco Chronicle
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1961 Miss Fiesta Latino Americano contestants. Center rear: Marilina Panting Noltenius. Others L-R: Alicia Benitez, Glenda Escobar, Carmen Guzman, Olga Retana, Jenie Ropez.
1961 Miss Fiesta Latino Americano contestants. Center rear: Marilina Panting Noltenius. Others L-R: Alicia Benitez, Glenda Escobar, Carmen Guzman, Olga Retana, Jenie Ropez.
Photo: Bob Campbell, San Francisco Chronicle
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1963 Pan American Day Queen candidates.
1963 Pan American Day Queen candidates.
Photo: Chronicle Archives, San Francisco Chronicle
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Miss Chinatown beauty pageant, 1959.
Miss Chinatown beauty pageant, 1959.
Photo: Chronicle Archives, San Francisco Chronicle
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Contestants in the Miss Haight-Ashbury Beauty contest received applause after the swimsuit competition segment at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on September 27, 1986.
Contestants in the Miss Haight-Ashbury Beauty contest received applause after the swimsuit competition segment at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on September 27, 1986.
Photo: Steve Castillo, San Francisco Chronicle
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Miss Bentley Personnel, alias Blancett Reynlods, strolls down the aisle dangling a squid during the swimsuit portion of the Miss Haight-Ashbury Beauty contest held at the Great American Music Hall on September 27, 1986. less
Miss Bentley Personnel, alias Blancett Reynlods, strolls down the aisle dangling a squid during the swimsuit portion of the Miss Haight-Ashbury Beauty contest held at the Great American Music Hall on September ... more
Photo: Steve Castillo, San Francisco Chronicle
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1960 Miss Good Posture contestant.
1960 Miss Good Posture contestant.
Photo: Chronicle Archives, San Francisco Chronicle
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JP Carroll attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

JP Carroll attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie N For Drew Altiz
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Brianna Haag attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Brianna Haag attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie N For Drew Altiz
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The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/SFWIRE/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Mark Vallee, Allison Stark, Amanda Bradford and Ben Flajnik attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Mark Vallee, Allison Stark, Amanda Bradford and Ben Flajnik attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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CJ Blackman and Brianna Haag attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

CJ Blackman and Brianna Haag attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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CJ Blackman attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

CJ Blackman attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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JP Carroll attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

JP Carroll attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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JP Carroll and Brianna Haag attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

JP Carroll and Brianna Haag attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/SFWIRE/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Rachael Rothstein For D, Drew Altizer Photography
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Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Rishi Dixit attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie N For Drew Altiz
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JP Carroll attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

JP Carroll attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Atmosphere at The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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JP Carroll, Mason Mundell, Rishi Dixit, CJ Blackman, Nick Palladino-King, Mario Flaherty, Joshua Levy, Hunter Satterwhite, Ben Kiesewetter and Tyler Lewtan attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

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JP Carroll, Mason Mundell, Rishi Dixit, CJ Blackman, Nick Palladino-King, Mario Flaherty, Joshua Levy, Hunter Satterwhite, Ben Kiesewetter and Tyler Lewtan attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th

... more
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Rachael Wright and Mimerta Grewal attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Rachael Wright and Mimerta Grewal attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Rachael Rothstein For D, Drew Altizer Photography
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The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie N For Drew Altiz
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Nick Manginelli and Kellee Bachour attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Nick Manginelli and Kellee Bachour attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Hunter Satterwhite, JP Carroll, Joshua Levy, Mason Mundell, CJ Blackman, Brianna Haag, Mario Flaherty, Ben Kiesewetter, Tyler Lewtan, Rishi Dixit and Nick Palladino-King attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

less

Hunter Satterwhite, JP Carroll, Joshua Levy, Mason Mundell, CJ Blackman, Brianna Haag, Mario Flaherty, Ben Kiesewetter, Tyler Lewtan, Rishi Dixit and Nick Palladino-King attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition

... more
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Jessica Comiskey, Nicole Doleman and Charlotte Parson attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Jessica Comiskey, Nicole Doleman and Charlotte Parson attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Rachael Rothstein For D, Drew Altizer Photography
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Emily Davis, Sasha Semis and Laura Dannels attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Emily Davis, Sasha Semis and Laura Dannels attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Joshua Levy, JP Carroll and Rishi Dixit attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Joshua Levy, JP Carroll and Rishi Dixit attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Performance attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Performance attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Mark Vallee, Allison Stark, Amanda Bradford and Ben Flajnik attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Mark Vallee, Allison Stark, Amanda Bradford and Ben Flajnik attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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JP Charroll and Corey Warzala attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

JP Charroll and Corey Warzala attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Rachael Rothstein For D, Drew Altizer Photography
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Megan Tom, Jackie Leylegian, Liz Liska, Lauren Burnn, Sydney Hayes, Rachel Tso and Kendall Wilson attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Megan Tom, Jackie Leylegian, Liz Liska, Lauren Burnn, Sydney Hayes, Rachel Tso and Kendall Wilson attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Rachael Rothstein For D, Drew Altizer Photography
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Garrett Ruhland and Audrey Ruhland attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Garrett Ruhland and Audrey Ruhland attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Mark Vallee and ? attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Mark Vallee and ? attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Rachael Rothstein For D, Drew Altizer Photography
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Jennifer Cohler, Samantha Armann and Lindsey Pelio attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Jennifer Cohler, Samantha Armann and Lindsey Pelio attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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Laura Dannels, Sasha Semis and Lauren Wolfe attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Laura Dannels, Sasha Semis and Lauren Wolfe attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie N For Drew Altiz
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Mark Vallee, Joshua Levy, JP Carroll and Rishi Dixit attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Mark Vallee, Joshua Levy, JP Carroll and Rishi Dixit attend The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Schrik For Drew
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Brianna Haag attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Brianna Haag attends The 2017 Mr. Marina Competition on May 17th 2017 at The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Photo: Drew Altizer Photography/Photo - Natalie Jenks For Drew A, Drew Altizer Photography
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It was no cakewalk being Miss Pickle. The title required travel, television appearances and, importantly, a sense of humor. Miss Perfect Posture must lead a straight and narrow life – or at least her spine must be so – and Miss Seals could never miss a match of hockey. 

Pageant themes from the 1960s and 70s ranged from pickled vegetables to bronzed beauty queens and everything in between. To participate, one had to be young, single and female.

It's hard to imagine such competitions taking place today, considering how far women have come since then. Some of the old themed contests are downright offensive, like the Miss White Collar pageant, which featured what a 1964 Chronicle article described as an "army of pretty young nine-to-fivers."

"What does the typical white collar girl wear," the article mused, "if not a white collar?" 

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Not all the pageants required conventional good looks, though. A Miss Perfect Posture contestant complained to The San Francisco Chronicle in 1967 that the competition's judges – a panel of chiropractors and spine experts – only observed participants' backsides.

"[They] didn't even see our faces," she moaned. 

The pageants weren't exactly bastions of feminism, but there was a noted exception: the 1973 Ms. California Counter Pageant. There, contestants with monikers like Ms. Judged, Ms. Labeled and Ms. Laid joined forces to mock the American beauty pageant in all its chauvinism. No winner was crowned that year. 

"We're all winners," contestant Diane Neu told a Chronicle reporter, "because we're women."

Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.