1962
OK, trivia buffs (yes, I’m looking at you, Maher and Mazzola, but not only at you):
Margaret Wass ‘65 was one Miss New Hampshire. Who else from Keene State College, Keene Teachers College, or Keene Normal School has had that honor?
Bonus question: What, if anything, did Peggy Wass win at the Miss America competition?
We have a winner! Mae Allen was indeed Miss NH in 1954. Well done, Jackie.
And, bonus points to Mike: Peggy was Miss Congeniality.
In case you’re also right about 1971, Mike, Miss NH 1971 was Kristi Carlson; 1972 was Jane Badler. If those words or pictures ring any bells with anyone, let us know — and let the Miss NH folks know, as well!

Mike Maher on 12 Mar 2008 at 8:00 pm #
I’ll take the challenge. I think Peggy may have been Miss Congeniality, but I’m not sure. Marcia Giovannangeli was Miss Keene State in 1968 and Paula Culley was Miss Keene State in 1969. I think in 1971 a KSC student was Miss New Hampshire and made it into the top five or 10 in the Miss America Pageant. MM
Frank Mazzola on 13 Mar 2008 at 5:54 pm #
Mike Maher was homecoming queen in 1971. He won on a write in ballot. His campaign for Miss New Hampshire was stopped short after it was discovered he had traded his tiara for new studded snow tires.
Jackie Ray on 18 Mar 2008 at 9:26 am #
Mae Allen was Miss NH in ‘53 or ‘54.
Kathy Shea '68 on 29 Mar 2008 at 3:05 pm #
I believe Cheryl Buffum ‘65 was a Miss New Hampshire
lucy webb on 31 Mar 2008 at 8:38 am #
You’re right, Kathy Shea. Nice catch! We actually didn’t know about her; I had to do a little research this morning. Cheryl Leigh Buffum was Miss New Hampshire 1965.
And in addition to the “right” answers I posted above, Wikipedia says Kristi Carlson was indeed Miss Keene before going on to be Miss New Hampshire (before going on to tour with the Miss America USO show).