NO DISCUSSION OF MIDCENTURY LANDSCAPING IS COMPLETE without including the famous pink flamingo lawn ornaments designed by Don Featherstone. According to my online research, Featherstone is an artist who sculpted 750 products for Union Products, Inc., in Leominster, Mass., starting in 1956. He sculpted the iconic pink flamingos in 1957. They were based on National Geographic images, and they went on the market in 1958. The taller one is 30″ tall when staked into the ground.
All Featherstone flamingos made today have his names inscribed into the mold
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.
Get them on Amazon of course>> Featherstone flamingos here. (affiliate link, yes, you click & buy, I make some moola)
In 1987, Featherstone inscribed his name on the original molds, in order to differentiate them from knockoffs. Today, all the authentic reproductions being made will still have Featherstone’s signature molded into them. 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.
Featherstone actually rose to lead the company. He retired in 2000, and continued to reside in Fitchburg, Mass. — with 57 of his flamingos on his front lawn. Also, Wikipedia says that he and his wife have dressed alike for their entire marriage.
Don Featherstone died in June 2015. He was 79. The tributes poured in. His hometown newspaper, the Fitchburg (Mass.) Sentinel & Enterprise wrote a lovely, lovely story. The New York Times put his story on the front page. Rest in serene peace, Don Featherstone.
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. There was a ton of news media attention on this story at the time.
There’s also a book written by Don Featherstone himself — It’s called Pink Flamingos Splendor in the Grass.
These Don Featherstone pink flamingos: Classic classic classic Americana. Treasure them!
super kawaii mama says
I am devastated to find that I cannot have these shipped to Australia! Oh what joy they would bring to my front yard! My yard is already full of colourful parrots on a daily basis, but these Flamingos would just put it into the Bliss category. Sigh.
Lisa says
Pink flamingos are all the rage in our 1950s Dallas neighborhood. We’ve had a few discussions on where to find them so thanks for the information!
PattyPetunia says
I just set mine outside last night and thought I should get a new pair as mine have become faded! They are Featherstone from before the sale; but have been out in the sun too much! I have seen some at my (local) craft & wedding supply place but didn’t check to see if they had Featherstone signature..but I’m going to look. I want to get some more and maybe clear seal spray them to keep them vibrant..
My grandmother DID have the white ones in the 60’s; Sno-mingoes I think they are called??
Palm Springs Stephan says
My local True Value hardware store carries these original flamingos. They even keep a couple of them out front in the landscaping during business hours. With all the MCM homes here, they are very popular.
vacationbarbie says
I think I need a set of these for my backyard!
MrsErinD says
We have 2 pink flamingos in our yard, have had them for a few years, but they musta been cheap ones because they are all faded now, almost white, so I think I will have to order these, it is a good price, and probably better made. They are so cute! I just adore pink flamingos! :O)
Deb says
We carry 2 in our motorhome, put them out when we park for a few days and people are always to buy them from us!
Fiona says
I have been asked time and time again for these as I used to stock them but cannot find the wholesale supplier at all, even though I’ve tried to research HHC, I thought maybe they’d stopped doing them! Now that you’ve posted this I’ll get back online again. My customers can’t get enough of these!
pam kueber says
Good luck, Fiona — the U.K. needs its fifties flamingos!!!
St. Louis shelly says
Thank you for the Flamingo info. One of my daughter’s favorite childhood books was “Mrs. Fitz’s Flamingos”. Mrs. Fitz wanted to improve her rooftop view so she bought a couple of flamingos and put them on the tar roof. The two soon turned into many. Unfortunately the building was set for demolition, and the wrecking ball took its first crack. Mrs. Fitz watched in horror as the building started to crumble, surmising her flamingos were doomed and having no way to save them. However, the pink birds took action and flew away safely.
My daughter has been obsessed with flamingos to this day and as a budding graphic designer/animator there may be more flamingos in our future.
John says
Hi Pam,
I have about 6 Flamingoes in my yard. Three guarding the front door and the rest out back by the pond!! I’ll send you a couple pics.
John