Abby Baker
Staff Intern
As a 17-year-old senior at Plant City High School, Ruby Jean Redman became the 1953 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen.
After receiving the title, the Plant City native attended Florida State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
Redman graduated from FSU in June of 1957 and was married to her high school sweetheart, Jim Redman, in August of that same year.
With aspirations to become a teacher since she was a little girl, Redman moved back to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the
World to launch her career at Bryan Elementary School.
While she enjoyed teaching, Redman quit two years later to raise her first of three daughters.
“Everyone pokes fun of me and says, ‘Oh, she retired after two long years,’” Redman said.
While she stepped out of the classroom, the Plant City native remained active in the community. She brought the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to Plant City after her husband was diagnosed with cancer.
Her team, the Prune Platoon, raised large amounts of money for the cause. Redman served on the society’s board for eight years.
While the 81-year-old has changed with the growth of her birthplace, the memories of her reign as a queen have not.
What was your tactic to get the crown?
I just acted very natural. Some people try to put on airs — I did not. Maybe they liked that. Today I would be eliminated in a heartbeat. They asked me about my future plans and I said, “Oh, I’ll probably be an old maid school teacher.” What if one of the judges was an old maid schoolteacher? I guess they weren’t.
How did it feel when they called your name?
I was totally shocked. I wasn’t even going to go out for it. I just did it for fun. There was a girl who won everything, and I didn’t win anything. We all assumed that she would win, so it was a surprise.
Were you nervous on stage?
A little bit, but not really because I did it for fun. I didn’t sweat it out.
How has the pageant changed?
Today, they wear casual attire, and we didn’t do that. The court members were crowned on a Monday night, and the queen was crowned Thursday. It’s better now because you don’t have to go out both nights.
What did your dress look like?
It was white and strapless. It was a full skirt, and that skirt had some cascading flowers.
What did you win?
Now they get scholarships. I got kitchen utensils. Can you imagine? I guess they assumed that we’d be home. I didn’t use them right away because I was away at college.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
You know, I was in the FSU Circus. Everyone has a good laugh at that. I brought Relay for Life to Plant City. I wanted to do something because my husband battled cancer. He battled it for 28 years. He was 44 … the doctors gave him two years to live, and he told them, ‘I’ll outlive some of you doctors.’ And he did.
What is your advice for girls who want to be Strawberry Queen?
I actually have a granddaughter going out for it next year. Just be natural, and have a good time.
What motto do you live by?
The Golden Rule.