EARNING HER BREAD & BUTTER
Little Miss Sunbeam’s true identity is a mystery. Artist Ellen Segner modeled the rosycheeked mascot after a blue-eyed blond girl she saw playing in New York City’s Washington Square Park. Here are a few more tasty tidbits about the character and the promotional contests to find her look-alikes.
Miss Sunbeam first appeared in the early 1940s, and she’s still featured on Quality Bakers of America products today.
Segner designed monthly, holidayspecific and seasonal materials based on the cheerful girl, and she worked with contest winners to model her art after them.
Miss Sunbeam had her own comic book series, which featured the adventures of Sunny Sunbeam, her family and her friends. The books were given away as advertising promos.
Segner wasn’t just known for her Sunbeam art, though it is one of her most enduring achievements. Segner also worked on the Dick and Jane early school readers, and was one of the first female pinup artists.
Little Miss Sunbeam competitors had to be between 3 and 10 years old and live in the area served by a bakery hosting the contest.
The rules stated children who embodied Miss Sunbeam’s spirit were eligible to be contestants “regardless of their hair color.”
The bakers group estimates there were as many as 100 winners of Miss Sunbeam contests.
Contest winners earned more than bragging rights—they received cash or cash bonds.
The grand prize included a trip to Paris, France, Wittnauer and Longines watches, a new wardrobe and luggage.
The spirit of the competition lives on today in the Gerber Baby contest. Parents submit photos of their child via social media. The winner is Gerber’s “spokesbaby” for a year.