Dawn Wells

Hometown: Reno

Age (at crowning): 20

School: Graduate of Stephens College & Senior at University of Washington

College Major: Drama 

Scholarship Winnings:$1000 scholarship sponsored by Pepsi-Cola along with wardrobe and prizes

Platform: Unknown

Talent: Serious Dramatic Reading from Sophocles “Antigone”

Fun Facts:

• First year the official Miss America 4 Point crown was used to crown Miss Nevada
• Participated in the parade and officially greeted the actors/actresses for the premiere of “Bonanza” television series, including Lorne Greene, Don Blocker, Yvonne deCarlo, Sen. Young and Pernell Roberts.
• Met Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay, Edie Adams and Ernie Kovacs at the pre-Olympic press party along with Miss USA, Terry Huntington
• Named one of 80 “outstanding women” out of a class of 3000 at the University of Washington which is awarded based on scholarship, activities and participation of chosen field of study.
• Miss Washington was a fellow student at University of Washington and had shared appearances during their reigns.
•  Quotes:
  • Her thoughts of the Miss America Pageant . . . . . . . “It’s being handled beautifully. There is no disorganization, no confusion.  It’s just a wonderful experience.” – Sept 1959
  • “I’m interested in dramatics, and this is a marvelous opportunity to represent my state and my home town.” – Sept 1959

Miss America:

• Boardwalk Parade float was constructed by Las Vegas Businesswomen and showcased “Las Vegas – The Convention City” and “Reno – Host to the 1960 Winter Olympics”

• Went on to be cast in “Gilligan’s Island” television series as Mary Ann
• Dawn deceased on 12/30/2020