In August 1902, the Woodmen of the World, a fraternal organization, held a carnival in Olympia. They sponsored a contest to name the Queen of the Carnival. Ruth Allison edged out Iva Van Epps for the honor. Here is Queen Ruth with her court, taken during the four-day event. This photo by Ida B. Smith was honored at the Northwest Photographers’ convention later that year.
Ida B. Smith photo, August 1902, Courtesy State Capital Museum collection, Washington State Historical Society, catalog C1950.3.43
Text © Deborah Ross and The Olympian 2022