Carolyn Roberts crowned ‘Cotton Queen’

With a cheer of “hip, hip, hooray,” Carolyn Roberts was crowned “Cotton Queen” at the August meeting of The Memphis Cotton Wives Club.

The organization was founded in 1969 to promote the use of all-cotton fabrics in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. Although not one of the group’s original founding members, Roberts is currently the member with the longest tenure.

“Over the years, Carolyn has served our organization in a variety of ways,” said Nancy Walker, outgoing club president. “She has held many officer positions and has always been such a hard worker. We wanted to honor her many contributions. Crowning her as our ‘Cotton Queen’ seemed like a fitting tribute.”

The meeting was held at the home of Suzanne Jackson, with Lisa Bobango, Pat Markum and Donna Uitendaal assisting as hostesses. Ed Galfsky, executive director of Carnival Memphis, was on hand to do the honors. As Walker read a tribute, Galfsky presented Roberts with a rhinestone studded crown and scepter. He also made a formal presentation of a Carnival Memphis medallion from this year’s celebration.

The connection between the two organizations goes back more than 75 years. Carnival Memphis was originated as Cotton Carnival, in celebration of the area’s leading industry. After the carnival had become established, a Maid of Cotton Pageant was created to select a young lady from any cotton-growing state to be a representative for the cotton industry.

“Years ago, the Memphis Cotton Wives worked with the selection committee for the Maid of Cotton,” Roberts said. “I worked on the Maid of Cotton fashion shows and luncheons, too. In fact, I did a lot of the sewing for those fashion shows, stitching together outfits made from 100 percent cotton.”

“Members of the Memphis Cotton Wives Club traveled throughout Shelby and neighboring counties to home demonstration clubs, providing fashion shows to promote cotton,” said Walker. “Their creations were modeled at the Women’s Building during the Mid-South Fair. The tradition of promoting cotton continues as club members, like Roberts, staff a booth at the annual MidSouth Farm and Gin Show.”