Page 269 - Demo

Nuclear Weapons of the Atomic AgeThe Atomic Bomb Girl strikes a pose in the Nevada desert, 1957.In the early 1950s, there was so much fascination with the atomic bombs being detonated in the Nevada Proving Grounds that they began to be televised. Being only 65-miles away, Las Vegas%u2019 bars and restaurants capitalized on the interest by serving atomic cocktails at Dawn Bomb Parties on their roofs. With Vegas also known for showgirls, there were at least four atomic pinup girls. But there were no official contests; they were each simply chosen for their %u201cradiant%u201d beauty, and given titles such as Miss Cue (named for the Operation Cue blast), and Miss A-Bomb. Candyce King, as Miss Atomic Blast, was said to emit %u201cloveliness instead of deadly atomic particles.%u201d This postcard depicts the most famous of the bunch, Lee A. Merlin who was named Miss Atomic Bomb in 1957. She sports a fluffy cotton mushroom cloud attached to the front of her swimsuit while flashing a 1,000-watt smile.Photo Credit: Las Vegas News Bureau / LVCVA