1936

South Pasadena, 1936 Sweepstakes Winner. Peacocks, fountains and classic pillars of flowers furnished a decorative accompaniment to the elaborately costumed figures on the float. A hundred thousand blooms were used in this float.
The most beautiful and original creation, according to the Tournament Judges, was “Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette,” entered by South Pasadena.

Source: Pictorial Los Angeles Souvenir Rose Tournament Pasadena 1936

Recreated with thousands of single blossoms was the magnificent garden of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, who formed the central figures. A fleur-de-lis of rose sweetpeas formed the background and simple colonnade where they stood. A fountain of lilies of the valley played on the lower level, while the front of the float was composed of a gorgeous peacock of many colored flowers. Principals, attendants and Nubian slaves who walked at the sides were gorgeously costumed in pastel dress of the period.

Source: Tournament of Roses Golden Jubilee 1889-1939 copyright 1938 by Login Printing & Binding Company

By 1936, Margaret Brown had moved on to become the Chairman of the Art Committee at the Beverly Hills High School, but she came back to South Pas to create “Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette,” which won the coveted Sweepstakes award for the overall best float in the Parade.

Excerpt from The SouthPas Float Story-2006 Official Souvenir “a History of Doing it Ourselves“ by Jim Taveres

The most beautiful and original creation, according to the Tournament Judges, was “Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette,” entered by South Pasadena. Peacocks, fountains and classic pillars of flowers furnished a decorative accompaniment to the elaborately costumed figures on the float, which was followed by five Ethiopian outriders in brilliant costumes and plumed turbans. A hundred thousand blooms were used in this float.

Source: Tournament of Roses Pictorial 1936, Copyright 1936 by Login Printing & Binding Company