Peter’s Sun Showgirl pursuit

Elaine McKenna presents Maureen Hartin (nee Lynn) with her Miss Sun Show Girl sash. Runners-up that year were Eleanor Cooper and Laurel Kendall.

By NARELLE COULTER

JOURNAL reader Peter Hartin sent in this photograph and clipping of his wife, Maureen, being crowned Miss Sun Showgirl at the 1959 Dandenong Show.
Maureen and the runner-up showgirls were featured on the front page of the Journal on 18 November 1959 being presented with their sashes by GTV 9 star Elaine McKenna.
When asked about his connection with the lovely young woman in the photo Peter replied “I fell in love with the winner and married her”.
“I always thought it was a terrific picture and so must have Greg Dickson, the then editor and owner,” Peter said.
The article described Maureen as a “young Scottish lass, who came out from her own country only two and half years ago”.
At the time of her big win Maureen was a typist on the New Holland staff at Dandenong and “proved to be ahead of her rivals in general knowledge”.
The Journal noted that Maureen wore a “youthful buttoned-through frock of white waffle pique with two large pockets on the hemline”.
“A touch of spring was introduced with her little pink bow hat and pink shoes”, it said.
Peter and Maureen were married a few years later and went on to have four children.
And, yes, Maureen is still very good at general knowledge.
“Trivial Pursuit, she is the lady to have on your side,” her proud husband said.