These dreams of ultimate relaxation spread throughout the country, and plastic flamingos were identified as the easiest way to turn homes into “beach houses”.Īfter a period of mainstream irrelevance, yard flamingos are back with a bang…this time for charity. Individuals living the American dream (at least in the mid to late 20th century) intended to spend their golden years on the state’s sun-soaked beaches, surrounded by flocks of pink flamingos. Then, plastic flamingos were kitsch items, cheap décor that added a dash of fun to the garden.įlamingos also represent Florida, a popular retiree destination. When plastic yard flamingos emerged in the 1950s, it was the climax of America’s post-WWII obsession with the graceful birds. Well, truth be told, the meaning of this practice is somewhat subjective as it depends on what the owner would like it to represent. Having a flamingo (or 50) in your front yard is one such tradition, and enquiring minds would like to know what that is all about. What does a pink flamingo in your front yard mean?Īmerica is home to some strange and, sometimes, downright ludicrous traditions and practices. Join us as we take a brief history lesson on this less-heralded American tradition, as well as the modern meaning of plastic lawn flamingos. They started as simple yard décor and were popularized by the era’s demand for pink objects. The meaning of pink flamingos in one’s yard has evolved drastically since the tradition began in the 1950s. They can represent several things, from birthdays to charity fundraisers. What does the pink flamingo in the yard represent, if it represents anything at all? These Don Featherstone pink flamingos: Classic classic classic Americana.If you drive through enough American neighborhoods, you are bound to come across yards adorned with plastic versions of an iconic bird. There’s also a book written by Don Featherstone himself - It’s called Pink Flamingos Splendor in the Grass. There was a ton of news media attention on this story at the time. Unfortunately, Union Products closed in 2006 – but fortunately, a year later a company named HHC International purchased the famous flamingo molds. Last I read, it produces from them today in Westmoreland, New York. The New York Times put his story on the front page. The tributes poured in. His hometown newspaper, the Fitchburg (Mass.) Sentinel & Enterprise wrote a lovely, lovely story. Also, Wikipediasays that he and his wife have dressed alike for their entire marriage.ĭon Featherstone died in June 2015. He was 79. with 57 of his flamingos on his front lawn. He retired in 2000, and continued to reside in Fitchburg, Mass. You can buy them for sale on Amazon - look for the ones by Union Products … they come in a pair… Don Featherstone’s name is on the box.įeatherstone actually rose to lead the company. Today, all the authentic reproductions being made will still have Featherstone’s signature molded into them. In 1987, Featherstone inscribed his name on the original molds, in order to differentiate them from knockoffs. (affiliate link, yes, you click & buy, I make some moola) Get them on Amazon of course> Featherstone flamingos here. Yes: Featherstone flamingos are still available today! They seem to have been in continuous production since 1958, with just one yearlong gap in 2006-2007. All Featherstone flamingos made today have his names inscribed into the mold The taller one is 30″ tall when staked into the ground. They were based on National Geographic images, and they went on the market in 1958. He sculpted the iconic pink flamingos in 1957. According to my online research, Featherstone is an artist who sculpted 750 products for Union Products, Inc., in Leominster, Mass., starting in 1956. NO DISCUSSION OF MIDCENTURY LANDSCAPING IS COMPLETE without including the famous pink flamingo lawn ornaments designed by Don Featherstone. Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021 these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
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