Fay Elinora Lanphier (1905-1959): California's First "Miss America"

Fay Lamphier Daniels & Outdoor Mausoleum grave marker

Outdoor Mausoleum Garden I. Section A, Crypt 9, Tier 1

Fay Elinora Lanphier was an American model, actress, and pageant winner, best known as the first Californian to be crowned Miss America. Her rise to fame in the 1920s made her a national celebrity and a symbol of the era's fascination with beauty, film, and modern womanhood.

Born in Greenwood, El Dorado County, California, Lanphier was the eldest of six children. After her father's death in 1920, her family relocated to Alameda, and she graduated from Oakland High School in 1924. Initially aspiring to become a secretary, she worked as a typist while saving for business college.

Fay Lanphier as Miss America (1925)

Lanphier's pageant journey began in 1924 when she won the title of Miss Santa Cruz and placed third in the Miss America competition. In 1925, she was crowned both Miss California and Miss America, becoming the first contestant to represent an entire state and the only person to simultaneously hold the titles of Miss America and Rose Queen.

 

Movie Still of "The American Venus"

Following her Miss America win, Lanphier starred in the 1926 silent film "The American Venus" alongside Louise Brooks. She also performed briefly on stage with the Henry Duffy Players in San Francisco. Her celebrity status led to a 16-week national tour, during which she earned approximately $50,000 through personal appearances and endorsements.

A significant portion of Lanphier's earnings came from her endorsement of the newly launched Underwood four-bank portable typewriter. As a skilled typist and former stenographer, she was a natural fit for the campaign, which capitalized on her Miss America fame. She made promotional appearances at Underwood branch offices across the country, contributing to the company's marketing success.

Ad from St. Louis Post Dispatch (May 13, 1926)

In 1925, she earned approximately $25,000 from this endorsement deal. Adjusted for inflation, this amount would be equivalent to about $450,000 in 2025 dollars, highlighting the lucrative nature of her partnership with Underwood.

Lanphier's first marriage to Sidney M. Spiegel in 1928 ended in divorce after six months. In 1931, she married her high school sweetheart, Winfield Daniels, and they had two daughters. The family settled in Orinda, California, where Lanphier lived a private life until her death from hepatitis and viral pneumonia at age 53.

Sources: Wikipedia, St Louis Post Dispatch, Oakland High School Memorial, eBay, Find a Grave, IMBd