The Flamingo is the 49er's Logo after researching the flamingo one Saturday afternoon, I found that the 49er girls were so similar to the flamingo. We agreed that the flamingo would be our team logo!LAWN ORNAMENT HISTORY:
The late 1950’s just happened to be perfect timing for the flamingo. America was moving to the suburbs. Industry was convincing America that a natural lawn was one that was mowed and treated with chemicals. And, every lawn needed a lawn ornament. But an empty lawn wasn't the only thing in the flamingo's favor. The country was much more mobile and an increasing number of people were traveling to the many hotels, motels, and lounges named after the flamboyant flamingo. The 1950’s was also a time for bright, bold colors. Common colors had been around for years, but plastics now allowed for hot colors like bright green, vivid ruby, and, of course, hot flamingo pink. Pink refrigerators, washing machines, and (obviously) Cadillacs were highly sought after.
The 1960’s were not as friendly to the pink flamingo. There was a rebellion against everything man made. It was a time to go back to nature. The plastic flamingo quickly became the prototype of bad taste and anti-nature.
By 1970, even Sears had removed the pink-feathered bird from its catalog. It looked like our fake-feathered friend’s days were numbered. But time was on this bird's side. Some people just love to do things that annoy people. You know: If you are not supposed to do something, you do it just to annoy others. If pink flamingos were the ultimate in bad taste, then people were sure to place them on their lawn to bug their neighbors. And they did so in great numbers.
In 1984, Miami Vice kicked the sales of pink flamingos into full throttle. For the first time ever, Union Plastics sold more flamingos than they did ducks. Today they are sold for just about every purpose. They are purchased for use as wedding decorations, housewarming gifts, and as replacements for reindeer at Christmas time. Some people actually travel with their pink flamingos. The plastic birds go camping, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Entire web sites are devoted to the travels of these artificial creatures. Pink flamingos have also become a prime target of pranksters. Many are stolen off lawns every year, particularly by kids that have been drinking a wee bit too much. Others are kidnapped and held for ransom. One particular pair was kidnapped and had their ransom paid in play money. We all know that what is art to one person is garbage to the next. Bans have been placed on pink flamingos all over the country. As a result, Union Plastics was forced to introduce a blue flamingo to circumvent the rules. Of course, these communities then changed the laws to ban all plastic flamingos. Should you wish to purchase these decorations, they are readily available. Hundreds of thousands are sold each year in stores and through mail order. Authentic flamingos always have Don Featherstone’s signature under their tails. Each has a yellow beak with a black tip and they are only sold in pairs.
Flamingo & 49er's:
Very social birds and talk loudly together.
They have good hearing and good sight.
They don't have a great sense of smell (only Libby)!
Tough birds.
Travel in Groups.
Loyal and stay together for protection of the group.
Lovely colors range from pinks to reds.
Latin word "flame" is the origin of the word flamingo.
They can fly and swim!
Most importantly ~ they Strut!
As you can see in the picture above, the flamingo babies aren't the cutest of all baby birds....in fact, they aren't cute at all! But, as they mature into adulthood ~ their beauty comes forth and they strut around like queens of the bird kingdom. As with the 49er's we have all matured into adult women who have found "ourselves" and know who we are in today's world.....we are so much more "beautiful" than when we were younger and less wise!
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