Queen of Tolerance at St. Mary's County Fair

Photograph

St. Mary's County Historical Society, Leonardtown, MD

Name/Title

Entry/Object ID

1995.001.0801

Description

This photograph may be of the ceremony at which the Queen of Tolerance was crowned. A group of dignitaries, the queen, two small boys and a young girl, and three princesses, one to the left and two to the right, are in a gymnasium that has been elaborately decorated for the occasion. The details are not distinct, but it appears there is a stage, with potted ferns and speakers around the stairs, there is a low white picket fence with twining ivy behind the stage party, yards and yards of bunting are suspended across the ceiling, and a heavy white drape has been hung from the basketball hoop to make an elegant backdrop for the queen on her throne. Large sprays of flowers and one candle are visible on the left. Several large twelve light windows, covered with screening, and the usual gymnasium brick wall do not contribute to the ambiance. A gentleman who appears to be holding gift boxes is speaking into a standing microphone as the rest of the party listens from their chairs along the back of the stage. Comparing this group to previous pictures, I believe the gentleman seated second from the left to be General Davidson, the speaker may possibly be the unidentifed board member in the check suit, and the seated man next to him may be Joseph Mattingly. The other man on stage may be Wilmer Bowles and the queen is likely to be Kitty Bailey. The seated men are all wearing three-piece suits, but the speaker does not have a vest. The princesses appear to have identical long dresses, but the queen's dress is either different or she is wearing a jacket. She has a crown that is difficult to see in detail. The flower girl has on a long dress with lots of frills and she has flowers in her hair. The two little boys, standing next to the queen, have on white shirts and shorts and sport two color sashes. ************************************** Mr. Fenwick's notes on verso: "Queen of Tolerence" [sic] [Kitty Bailey?] Also: "Official U.S. Navy photograph Not for publication unless officially released ... "

Collection

Charles E. Fenwick Collection

Made/Created

Date made

September 1949

Dimensions

Dimension Notes

Print Size: 9 3/8" x 14"

Location

Container

Charles E. Fenwick Collection, Photo Box 6

Shelf

Rack 08, Shelf 4

Rack

Rack 08

Wall

West wall

Room

Archives 1

Building

Tudor Hall

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Bailey, Kitty

Person or Organization

Davidson, Howard

Person or Organization

Mattingly, Joseph M.

Person or Organization

Bowles, Wilmer