Miss Gowanus

Checking on the records of that immortal day in June when the "Lavender Lake" was first purged of its noisome waters, I learned that an impressive ceremony took place.  

White carnations were strewn on the waters of the canal by a little girl named Jennie Haviland. 

She was crowned "Miss Gowanus." 
                                                                               Brooklyn Eagle, 25th September, 1950