Mildred Riley - "Illinois Corn Queen" Biography-1
Mildred Riley: 1930 Illinois State Corn Queen & Her 14k Gold Illinois wristwatch
Mildred Riley (1917–2006) was a “child wonder” farmer; at age 12, she was crowned the 1930 Corn Queen of Illinois -- “the outstanding corn producer in Ilinois...regardless of age or sex”.
Mildred defeated 150 other 4-H Club boys and girls in the Junior Division, as well as winning the Adult Division. For her grand-champion winning yellow corn display, Mildred was awarded an ornate 14K white gold Illinois wristwatch, engraved, “Mildred Riley ~ Jr. Class ~ Grand Champion Corn ~ I.B.A. [Illinois Bankers Association] ~ 1930”.
Mildred's unprecedented feat was widely reported in central Illinois newspapers -- where agriculture was worshipped, and corn was the ultimate test of farming success.
