50 YEARS AGO

Rainy coronation ceremony

Janet Schlegel of Watervliet became the 1971 Tulip Queen in partially rained-out coronation ceremonies at Washington Park. As the weather turned from sprinkles to a steady downpour, there was a hurried cancellation of entertainment and the Tulip Queen announcement was made over the loudspeaker. Despite the rain, the audience lingered to watch Schlegel, 20, accept the key to the city and a kiss from Mayor Erastus Corning and watched as the new queen, escorted by Friendly Dutchman Jerry Luciano, led her court beneath crossed swords held by members of the Christian Brothers Academy and the

Albany Academy for Boys.

—Times Union, May 9, 1971 C.J. Lais Jr., Azra Haqqie.