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A pair of pretty little tap dancers who provided entertainment
for the 1955 Catfish Derby are shown here during their numbers.
The dancers are Cecelia Kee (at left) and Judy Morris, both students
of Colleen Hope's studio.
The queen and princesses were honored at the annual dinner which
precedes the Derby, and flashed their prettiest smiles in their pose. Queen
Betty Miller is shown standing at left, with Princess Linda Durkee beside her
and seated are Princess Pat Eckel (at left) and Princess Myrna Calloway.
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On Catfish Derby day the, queen and her court dress in shorts and blouses and the princesses wear the
traditional headgear a black derby hat. Queen Betty Miller is shown here with Kingfisher Frank DeSouza (at
left) who placed the tinsel crown on her headr-and -posing with her (left to right) are Princesses Pat Eckel, Linda
Durkee and Myrna Calloway. At right is H. B. Shaw, who with Kingfisher DeSouza judged the contests. The idea
of a Catfish Derby was the brain child of Kingfishers DeSouza and Frank Perl. '
Catfish Derby fans came from all parts of the county for the annual event. Many families make it an
annual outing and arrived with picnic dinners, lawn chairs, and toys to keep the children happy. Concession
stands provided that all-American treat, the hot dog, soft drinks and ice cream bars. Members of 20-30 club, a
service group, stage the Derby as a treat for families of the district who enjoy such outings and although they
seldom make a large profit, if any funds are netted this is donated for charitable work in the community.
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Final plans for the annual Catfish Derby are always made at a dinner traditionally given a few days
before the event. This year's dinner was held at the Rogue room of the Medford hotel and was attended by
club members. Kingfisher Frank DeSouza, the queen and princesses. Pictured here are (left to right) Dick Schuchard,
who served as master of ceremonies for the Derby program. Laurel Krause, Kingfisher DeSouza and Dick Frost.
MEDFORDesaTRIBUNE
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1955
Catfish Derby
Attracts Hundreds
By OLIVE STARCHER
That unique Jackson county event,
the annual Catfish Derby, was held
last Sunday at TouVelle park, attract
ing a crowd estimated at 4,500 by the
sponsoring group, Medford 20-30
club. The Derby is a family playday,
and everyone from great-grandpa to
the littlest tads join in the fun.
Queen Betty Miller ruled over the.
1955 Derby, and members of her
court were the Misses Pat Eckel, Linda
Durkee and Myrna Calloway. The
queen and court were chosen by their
classmates at Medford Junior High
school before school closed.
The program of music, dancing and
contests was climaxed by the fish
derby with prizes for the most fish,
the smallest, the largest and to the
youngest and oldest fishermen.
' (Brainerd photos).
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Among the Derby winners was
William Edwards, shown here with
his two-pound catfish judged the
largest entered in the contest. Small
est wo of minnow size. ..
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1
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Winner in the spoon and egg contest was Bucky Sullivan
(at left) while Mike Neathamer (far right) was second. Jimmy
Norlander (striped jersey) was third. The fourth contestant
remains unidentified. Another fun contest was the pie-eating
race, with contestants' hands tied behind their backs.
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James Clyde Hosfutler, Lake Creek, 89, won the prize for being
the Republican registered for the longest period; Mrs. Effie Permenter
(center) received a prize for the Democrat registered for the longest
period of time and Mrs. C. E. Naffziger, Medford, second prize for
the longest-registered Democrat. Many prizes were given, including
one to couple married the longest time, to the owner of the oldest
car, to the youngest person and to couple with largest family.
0 j2
Jules Paudois, 80, Jacksonville, judged champion catfisher,
receives prize from Queen Betty. Derby rules say catfish may be
caught anywhere, and Mr. Paudois fished at Willow Springs. Mr.
Paudois was oldest fisherman in Derby.