I recently found a note that I made to myself back in 1999. It was a reminder that my mother suggested I go looking for a Star-Bulletin photo from 1933 when she was named “Miss Spring.” She didn’t have much more information to make the task easier.

The note, and the task, got lost in the shuffle of everyday events. But I recently found the note and belatedly went looking for Miss Spring.

It turns out my mom had the year wrong, but I was able to find it. The Miss Spring story and photo appeared on the front page of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin on March 27, 1934, accompanied by a long story.

The event was part of the “Spring Opening” celebration sponsored by downtown businesses and the Star-Bulletin.

Miss Spring 1934

According to the newspaper, the Miss Spring promotion drew 10,000 people into downtown Honolulu.

The story began:

An exceedingly attractive and slightly nervous girl stepped out of an automobile on Alakea Street just before 6:45 p.m. Monday and, with two other girls, walked down on King St. She wore a dress of blue crepe de chine, a small black hat trimmed in white, and black and white pumps.

She had every right to be nervous for more than 10,000 people were looking for her.

The woman or girl who correctly identified her as Miss Spring would win prizes. And it eventually happened.

I wish I had been able to find the clippings back when my mom was alive. She would have enjoyed rereading the account and reliving the experience, I think.