Donna Rydberg (1933-2008) was born and raised in Seattle, the only child of German immigrants Leo and Freida Bartl. During the 1960s, Rydberg had a successful modeling career and her work appeared in magazines, newspapers and fashion catalogs. She was also featured at various charity events and fashion show benefits at venues such as the Edgewater Inn, Frederick & Nelson, Seattle Center and Longacres Race Track. During the Seattle World’s Fair, she danced in Gracie Hansen’s nightclub show. Later in her career, Donna Rydberg taught modeling at the Anita Charles Beauty School located at 7th and Pine Street in downtown Seattle.

In 1961, she appeared at the outdoor groundbreaking ceremony for Gracie Hansen’s Night in Paradise Show at the Seattle World’s Fair, the event pictured here. On a cold December day, she wore a show costume and entered the stage through a paper apple while Gracie Hansen threw apples to the audience and local press. In this photo, Donna Rydberg has just burst through a paper apple to appear with Gracie Hansen, as photographers snap pictures. The newly constructed Space Needle appears at left.