In 1916, Pleasant Hills crowned its first queen, Elsie Knoble, following a social that raised £26 for the local returned soldiers’ fund. The coronation robe and crown were provided by Mrs Reg Browne, and the ceremony was performed by Private Pilts.
The 1921 Literary Institute bazaar saw even greater success. The "Queen competition" featured three candidates: Diggers’ Queen Miss Salie Sticker, Band Queen Miss Tilly Pumpa, and School of Arts Queen Miss Elsie Harberecht. The competition raised a staggering total of £174, helping to lift the debt from the institute's building.
In 1948, Miss Virgie Terlich was crowned "Rural Queen" at a grand Coronation Ball attended by nearly 400 people. The event raised over £900 for the Pleasant Hills Literary Institute. The ceremony included a bishop, a lord chancellor, and a herald, culminating in a Coronation waltz.
Researched and written by Fiona Beckett Sources: Henty Observer, Albury Banner.