Did you know that a flock of flamingos is actually called a “flamboyance”? So perfect! Earlier this week, the designer of the iconic, beloved, midcentury flamingo lawn ornaments — Don Featherstone — died. He was 79. The tributes are already pouring 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.
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Dear Husband and I drove over to Northampton last weekend for a “date Saturday.” Activities included visiting one of my favorite people in retroworld — Retro Genie, who owns a delightful vintage shop there. While we were chatting away like chatterboxes, she remembered all of a sudden, excitedly, “Oh, I need to show you what I just got!” And then she pulled these beautiful birdies out of her back storage: New Old Stock Don Featherstone Flamingo lawn ornaments. You shoulda heard me Squawk!
Featherstone flamingo lawn ornaments were introduced for sale in 1958 and to be sure, they are American classics. The book about them says 20 million+ have been sold, and that’s as of 1999.
I think, based on the shipping label, that Jeannie’s NOS birds are from 1971. before 1963. Or maybe later, we seem to have a few expert readers sorting this out — see the comments. This set was still made in its original location — by Union Products in Leominster, Mass. This set was sold by Sears, see the label still on the box. I am a lover of the one-and-only original Featherstone flamingos — you can still buy them today made in the USA. You can find them easily on Amazon.
But, what is so fascinating about Jeannie’s earlybird flamingos is that they are made of a different sort of plastic than the one used today. As I mentioned above, there is a book about the flamingos, and I have a copy. But, it is mostly silly text with lots of photos of the flamingos in all kinds of dress in all kinds of places around the world. I paged through it, and alas, could see no history detailing materials changes over the years.
Jeannie’s flamingos are all smooth plastic-like (compared to today’s). And, they are a softer shade of pink.
Of course, I told Jeannie that here New Old Stock Featherstone flamingos are PRICELESS and that she should only sell them for lotsa lotsa money. Preferably to the Museum of Modern Art.
Above: The label – which helps us establish the date, because of the zip code. As reader Amy informs:
These are much older than 1971! You can tell by the address label, which reads “Boston 15.” Two-digit postal zone codes were in use 1943-1963. Zip codes were introduced in 1963.
A friend of Jeannie’s found them at a flea market.
Here is my itsy history of the Featherstone flamingos. Jeannie’s treasure makes me so very happy. The pair need names, though, don’t you think? Suggestions?
Thank you, Jeannie, for being so wonderful. Follow Retro Genie on Facebook.
Annie B. says
Let’s name ’em Ike and Mamie.
Their vintage plastic is so creamy looking; such sweet eyes, too. Ain’t nothin’ like the real thing, baby.
Paula Webb says
They are beauties. I do like these better than the modern ones which have angry faces. Mine (circa 1980’s) went missing in our move almost 2 years ago and still have not been replaced. Note to husband….
Bunny says
Are these for sale? I reread it twice and can’t figure that part out.
I have always wanted the vintage color. I simply wouldn’t be happy with the newer ones.
pam kueber says
Jeannie has not put them up for sale yet, as far as I know. I think she should sell them for mucho mucho dinero or better yet – put them in a museum.
Story Tellers Vintage says
These are awesome! And great tip about the zip codes…I never knew till now 🙂
Melanie says
Ahh, the pink plastic flamingo – the official bird of the City of Madison, WI – no doubt thanks to the famous 1979 prank by the Pail and Shovel Party, who, on the morning of the first day of classes at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, covered the slope of Bascom Hill with 1008 plastic flamingos. A sight to be seen in person, I’m sure. Would love to have me one of those!
Katie B. says
Seems to me the order and department number are skewed on the label. I think 71 was probably the dept. I love them regardless. They are a pretty shade of pink.
Hillary says
I don’t see a modern zip code on the label. Wouldn’t that suggest it’s pre-1963?
Puddletown Cheryl says
Good spotting Hillary.
Dave says
I have to agree. Zip codes weren’t mandatory in 1963, but a place like Sears would have adopted early on. Also in ’63 the two letter state designation went into effect. In ’71 Mass. would have been MA. These birds are older than you might think based on their shipping label.
Amy Stoller says
These are much older than 1971! You can tell by the address label, which reads “Boston 15.” Two-digit postal zone codes were in use 1943-1963. Zip codes were introduced in 1963.
Enjoy those flamingoes!
pam kueber says
Oh – okay! Even Better!!!!
mary w. says
I was going to add the same thing. I learned about zip codes from Miami humorist Dave Barry, of all people!
Mary Elizabeth says
I see them more as a Flora and Floyd.
Yes, I do believe the old Leominster ones were closer to a real flamingo pink than the newer ones. Do you know why the real ones are pink? They are actually born white and turn pink gradually from the brine shrimp and algae in their diet.
Pam, how about having a weekend download of people’s flamingo collectible stuff? Or have you already done that?
Lisa Compo says
I love your idea about the weekend uploader being Flamingo Style. What a fun thing to do as summer comes to an end. Well, Labor Day has come and gone but we are having a chilly day here in northern KY so it really feels like Fall now. I have a little 6 ft Christmas tree in our great room called the “Year Rounder Tree” where I keep lights on it and change the decorations to the current season. In the summer I put lights on it with flip flops and flamingos and have many ornaments of flamingos grilling out, having martinis, laying in lawn chairs etc…wish I had taken a picture of it now. I have the yard flamingos, too–Featherstones from the late 1990s. I move them around from time to time and my next door neighbor always enjoys seeing where they will end up next. I love the idea of seeing everyone’s flamingo stuff. Hope Pam takes the idea. 🙂
Chris says
I vote we name them Lucy and Ethyl!