Woman's History

Now here's a photo that my Dad, Professional Sports Photographer, Joe Stevens, took at Milan Dragway in 1993 of Shirley Muldowney. She was the first woman to receive a license from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a top fuel dragster. She won the NHRA Top Fuel championship in 1977, 1980 and 1982, becoming the first person to win two and three Top Fuel titles.[1][2] She has won a total of 18 NHRA national events. Her stats for Milan Dragway include their "First 4"...and three consecutive speed records of 295, 297, and their "First 300". All 1/4 mile accomplishments This photo is the one I've been carrying around with me while doing photo exhibits of my Dad's pictures. I got the photo signed at the (2010) Detroit Autorama. I was asked to do a Photo Exhibit that year along with Connie Kalitta signing autographs on his and my Dad's photo's of him. I had a big sign up that said "Detroit Dragway" and I heard so many stories that day, I could of written a book. I met so many people who were involved at DD too. I think the funniest was the couple that used to drive Linda Vaugn around to the different strips and protect her. So later I heard from a guy that was selling toys & souvienirs that Shirley was over there signing autograph's at a friends stand. Well this was the only picture that I had so I grabbed it & went over & had her sign it. You see, I haven't found any photos of Shirley from the 60's because Gil Cohen & his cohort came over to my Dad's house about 15 years ago & said that they were going to do a book and wanted to use my Dad's photos so my Dad, with his kind heart, the kind who made a deal on a hand shake, gave them probably some of his best pictures and from what they told him, he'd be expecting some royalties and he never heard a thing from them.Recently, I heard that they never did the book. But I was really happy that I had Shirleys picture that my Dad took with me that day and it was an honor to meet her. I was totally in awe of her and what an amazing, memorable and exciting life she has had.

Woman's History

Bernella Brother & Sister Racing Team. Della Woods & Bernie Woods April 11th, 1966. Hi Della! But Della went on Funny Car Racing without her brother Bernie, winning time after time and growing her legacy of one of Detroit area's favorite female, hometowm driversl Everybody still loves ya Della!!!! Della Woods is an AA/FC, NHRA pro driver. She was the first female driver in the 5 second bracket in the funny car class and the first female driver to go to the semi finals at an NHRA national event. She held the latter record for almost 22 years.

Woman's History

Linda Vaughn Miss Hurst Golden Shifter striking a beautiful pose next to one of the Autorama's show cars for photographer, Joe Stevens. She is the "First Lady of Auto Racing," one of the most famous personalities in all of Motorsports. Linda started her modeling career when she became the "Hurst Golden Shifter Girl." She is loved by all, has a genuine interest in the industry and cares about all the people in it. She is repeatedly recognized for her volunteer service to industry causes.

Woman's History

Marsha Bennett, Miss Hurst Dual Shifter was one of the most popular Hurst girls next to Linda Vaughn. She worked for Hurst to pay her way through college plus she was an Airline Stewardess. Here she is posing in front of one of the Hurst cars, this 1969 Pontiac Bonneville that Don Morton, to her right drove her around for the crowd in, during a 1969 Detroit Dragway National Event Race. Morton is a Riddler Award & a Longevity Award winner for his enfamous Thunderbird that he's been showing in the Detroit Autorama for some 40 years. Morton worked for the Hurst Co. for many years & knew Miss Bennett very well. The Hurst girl on the right, I have no info on. This photo was taken by photographer Joe Stevens in 1969 at Detroit Dragway.

Woman's History

Miss America 1964 Donna Axum making her appearance at the Northland Mall in the Detroit Michigan area. Joe never missed the opportunity to take pictures of a pretty woman. In 1964, The Miss America pageant was broadcast for the 1st time all over our Country at the same time. Northland Mall was one of the very first shopping malls in the Detroit area which has long since been gone.

Woman's History

Woman's History

Miss America's such as Debra Bryant used to stop by and visit with us Detroiters back in 1966 at the Detroit International Auto Show, In 1966, the Miss America Pageant shifted to NBC, and was first telecast in color. Now that's an interesing fact. Some other interesting facts about Debra Bryant: After graduating in the top ten of her high school graduating class, Deborah went on to Christian College on a full academic scholarship, during which time she represented Kansas in Atlantic City in the 1966 Miss America Pageant. After her year of service as Miss America, Deborah continued her education as an English major at the University of Kansas, graduating Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa. During her year of service, Deborah spoke in support of "Project Concern" which provided medical support to undeveloped countries. Deborah remains active in community service for numerous charitable projects. She was a member of the Mesa Desert Club, which provides scholarships to qualified needy high school graduates, and was also a past member of the Phoenix Junior League.

Woman's History

Miss America

Woman's History

Miss America

Woman's History

The 1976 Ann Marston Archery Memorial Tournament. Ann Marston was an unparalelled Archery player and held many championships as I put in the description above. I'm still hoping to find an actual photo of her as she died of diabetic complications in 1971 after accomplishing so much in her tender 33 year. That would have made her 73 this year. The Ann Marston Family have done more for the sportr of Archery than any other. The entire family played. The Ann Marston Archery Tournaments are still held today and ask anybody who knows anything about Archery who Ann Marston was & they'll know. Well, I'm going to go upstairs and look in another box for more of the Archery negatives. I'm just going to havr to put the ones up of the men too I guess since I've already committed this gallery to Ann. There are some famous Archery players and I've got a great Archery Championship Book written by an archery champ who signed it for my father. So we may learn a thing or 2 but for now, I've been at this for about 20 hours but...I'm getting better at this website stuff.

Woman's History The Palace Theater

Judy Garland in 1967

Woman's History

Big Movie Star "JUDY GARLAND" after a show at The Palace in 1967. My parents told my sister & I that Ms. Garland was very charming, sociable, friendly and gave her autograph to anybody who asked. She would come out among her fans after the show & greet them. She had style & she had grace. What a legend from her 1st big movie "Wizard of Oz" to all of her and Mickey Rooneys movies together & more. People loved her & her legacy lives on.

Woman's History The Palace Theater

Judy Garland in 1967

Woman's History

Judy Garland just after her performance at the Palace Theater. My parents said that she was so friendly,charming, sociable, signed autograph's for everybody that asked. I see her autograph here on this negative We'll always love you Miss Judy Garland one of the best actresses of all time. she is definately on our women's History Month.

Woman's History The Palace Theater

Judy Garland in 1967

Woman's History The Palace Theater

Judy Garland in 1967

Woman's History The Palace Theater

Judy Garland in 1967

Woman's History The Palace Theater

Judy Garland in 1967