Vanessa Williams will always be a Miss America to me.

I used to be in pageants when I was younger.  I even had the opportunity to attend a luncheon where Miss America 1984, yes, that Miss America, Vanessa Williams, was the guest speaker.

Everything seemed fine at the luncheon.  She looked beautiful and gave words of encouragement to all of us little misses.  I guess you could say everything seemed as wholesome as a box of cornflakes.

So it's unfortunate that she resigned her title on this day in 1984 due to nude photos of her that were to be published in Penthouse Magazine.  Images of a naked Miss America just didn't fit with the pageant's wholesome, positive and poised brand (even though, ironically, the pageant began as a greedy publicity stunt.)

Even still, Vanessa Williams will always be Miss America 1984 to me because the photos were never published (thankfully) and because who ever remembers the first runner-up's name anyway?

Want the Miss America experience (with your clothes on) or at least just a little connection to where it all began?  Check out the permanent Miss America exhibit at the Atlantic City Historical Museum.  And if you're a diehard fan, mark your calendars for Miss America Week and be sure to attend the Miss America Trade Show and Forum.