Ellen Hart Hunts The Globe For All Former Miss Subways

Former Miss Subway, Ellen Hart, owner of the world famous Ellen's Stardust Diner in New York City's Times Square, is coordinating a world wide search to locate all former Miss Subways.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090317/NY85110)

From 1941 to 1976, New York's Subways played host to the legendary contest known as Miss Subway. Winners had their photos, and their hopes and dreams, printed on placards which were placed all over the New York City Subway System. The chosen bevy of lovely ladies added beauty and charm, and became a major part of the nostalgia of that time, even celebrated as "Miss Turnstiles" in Comden & Green's On The Town. Over the decades, Ms. Hart has kept alive the glamour of this NY kitsch by orchestrating several reunions. The last one, in 2004, was held in conjunction with the "MTA's Subway Centennial," at which time a new Ms. Subway was selected by a contest run by the NY Post.

In preparation for the 2009 Miss Subways Reunion, which will also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ms. Hart's crowning, she is working with photographer Fiona Gardiner on her upcoming book featuring copies of the original Miss Subway posters, juxtaposed with photos of the ladies now. The reunion/luncheon will take place on Tuesday, April 21st at 11am at Ellen's Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway & 51st). Dozens of former Miss Subways will be in attendance. If you were, or know of someone who was a Miss Subway, Ms. Hart would love to hear from you. Please contact her at misssubway1@gmail.com.

The world's largest collection of Miss Subways posters can be seen on display at Ellen's Stardust Diner, also home of The World Famous Singing Waitstaff, or on line at www.ellensstardustdiner.com.

A gallery of Fiona Gardiner's photographs can be viewed at http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2007/12/29/nyregion/thecity/20071230_MISSSUBW AYS_SLIDESHOW_10.html.