Eras Of Influence (1978-1988)

The third Era Of Influence cemented the SOUTH’s reputation as the dominant region at Miss America. After a less-than-average showing between 1967-1977, the SOUTH roared back and utterly dominated the era between 1978-1988.

The SOUTH averaged 5 of every year’s Top 10 (56 of 110), and 2.8 of each Top 5.  In fact, in 8 of the 11 years, the SOUTH had 5 or more of the Top 10 (and 6 in 1978, 7 in 1982* -or 8, if you count Debbie Maffett- and a up-til-then record 8 in 1986, plus four of the eight non-finalist talent awards). Further, the SOUTH put 3 women in Top 5 in 1978, 1981, and 1986 and four of the Top 5 in 1980, 1982 (all 5 if you count Debbie M), and 1985. Plus, the SOUTH produced six (again seven with Debbie) Miss Americas and five 1^st RUs.

*Let’s have the Debbie Maffett talk now.  Debbie is from the Houston-area and competed in Miss Texas (Top 10-1978; 3^rd RU & SS-1979; 4^th RU & SS-1980) before moving to California and becoming Miss California 1982 and Miss America 1983.

The era belonged to MISSISSIPPI, which put TEN women IN A ROW in Top 10 (or better, including two Miss Americas-Cheryl Prewitt in 1979 and Susan Akin in 1985) between 1979-1988. TEXAS had eight Top 10s (including 3 Top 5s), and ALABAMA had seven Top 10s (and 6 Top 5s). FLORIDA once again put five women in Top 10+ in an era (third consecutive era with five Top 10s-Florida is always about consistency). KENTUCKY had its best-ever era with five Top 10s (four in a row between 1982-1985). ARKANSAS gave us the first African American woman to win a prelim AND to place in the Top 5 with Lencola Sullivan’s 4^th Runner-up placement and preliminary swimsuit win in 1980.

1986 Preliminary Winners: (L. to R.-Kellye Cash(tie), Dawn Smith(tie) Julianne Smith, Tamara Tungate, Kelly Garver and Stephany Samone) 

The MIDWEST held its own with an average of 2.4 in each Top 10 (26 total) and 1.2 in each top 5 (13 total). OHIO, that had started a strong streak during the previous era (with two Miss A’s), continued to be strong with six Top 10s (four of whom made Top 5).  MISSOURI came on strong for the first time during this era with its four top 10s (and two Top 5s).

The WEST weakened ever so slightly with an average of 1.5 Top 10s (16 total), 0.7 average Top 5s (8 total), and two Miss Americas. The WEST gets the credit for Debbie’s win in 1982 along with Sharlene Wells’ in 1984.

The NORTHEAST dropped by more than half from the previous era to this one with only 12 Top 10s (average of 1.1), three Top 5s (average of 0.3), and Vanessa’s win (and Suzette’s time as Miss A too). However, NEW YORK had a strong era with five Top 10 finalists (including VANESSA).

 

L. to R. (Lisa Kahre, Carol Johnson, Molly Pesce, Cheryl Bartlett, Melinda Cumberledge, Amanda Mainord, mignon Merchant, Michelle Dawson)

The year that matches the averages the closest is 1987.

SOUTH-LA-1^st RU; MS-4^th RU; FL; TX; VA

MIDWEST-MI-WIN; MO

WEST-NV-2^nd RU; CO-3^rd RU

NORTHEAST-MD

States that dominated during this era are:

MISSISSIPPI – 10 Top 10s & 7 Top 5s & 2 Miss Americas

TEXAS – 8 Top 10s & 3 Top 5s

ALABAMA – 7 Top 10s and 6 Top 5s

OHIO – 6 Top 10s & 4 Top 5s

FLORIDA – 5 Top 10s & 2 Top 5s

KENTUCKY – 5 Top 10s & 0 Top 5s

NEW YORK – 5 Top 10s & 1 Top 5 & 1 Miss America