Smallwood, Norma (c. 1908–1966)

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Smallwood, Norma (c. 1908–1966)

Miss America. Name variations: Norma Bruce. Born Norma Descygne Smallwood c. 1908; died May 1966; attended Oklahoma State College; m. Thomas Gilcrease (art collector and oilman), Sept 3, 1928 (div. Oct 3, 1933); m. George H. Bruce (pres. of Aladdin Petroleum, Wichita); children: (1st m.) daughter.

Was the first Native American (Cherokee) to be named Miss America (1926), representing Oklahoma.

See also Frank Deford, There She Is (Viking, 1971).

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