Miss Universe 1952 - Local Pageant Crowning Moments (Colorized)

Miss Universe 1952 was the first Miss Universe pageant, held at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, on 28 June 1952. At the conclusion of the event, actress Piper Laurie crowned Armi Kuusela of Finland as Miss Universe 1952. Contestants from thirty countries and territories participated in this year's pageant. The pageant was hosted by Bob Russell. The competition featured the Romanov Imperial Nuptial Crown, which was previously owned by a Russian czar. The crown was said to have 1,535 diamonds, 300 carats, and was valued at $500,000.