The State Flag of Oregon

Let's dive into the fascinating story of Oregon's state flag - a unique emblem that's as quirky and distinctive as the state it represents. You might not think a rectangular piece of cloth could stir up much excitement, but trust me, this one's got some serious tales to tell.

Picture this: it's the early 1920s, and Oregon's feeling a bit left out. Why? Well, while most other states are proudly waving their official flags, Oregon's still flag-less. Can you believe it? Here we are, decades into statehood, and we're the odd ones out at the national flag party. Talk about fashionably late!

Now, you might be wondering, "How on earth did Oregon end up in this predicament?" Well, it's not like Oregonians were anti-flag or anything. It just... never seemed to be a priority. You know how it goes - you're busy building a state, taming the wilderness, arguing with your neighbors about borders, and before you know it, sixty-odd years have flown by and you've forgotten to design a flag. Oops.

The Postmaster's Push: Birth of the Oregon Flag

But fear not! Our flag-less days were numbered, thanks to an unlikely hero: a postmaster. Yep, you heard that right. In 1925, Portland's postmaster J.M. Jones decided enough was enough. He needed a flag to show off at a U.S. Post Office Department display, and by golly, he was going to get one. It's funny how sometimes the most mundane needs can spark significant changes, isn't it?

So, with Jones lighting a fire under their collective backsides, Oregon's lawmakers finally got around to addressing this glaring oversight. On February 26, 1925, Governor Walter Pierce put pen to paper and signed Senate Bill 195, officially adopting a state flag. Better late than never, right?

Double the Design: Oregon's Unique Two-Sided Flag

But here's where it gets really interesting. Remember how I mentioned Oregon likes to do things a bit differently? Well, they sure didn't disappoint with their flag design. While most states are content with a single-sided flag, Oregon said, "Nah, that's boring. Let's do both sides!" And just like that, Oregon became - and remains to this day - the only state in the U.S. with a two-sided flag. Talk about overcompensating for lost time!

Now, let's take a closer look at this double-sided wonder. The front side is what you might call the "formal" side. It's got the state seal's escutcheon (that's fancy flag-speak for the shield part) right in the center. Above it, you've got "STATE OF OREGON" proudly proclaimed, and below, the year "1859" - a little reminder of when Oregon officially joined the Union.

But wait, there's more! Surrounding this central design are 33 stars. Why 33, you ask? Well, it's not just because it's a cool-looking number. Nope, it's because Oregon was the 33rd state to join the Union. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we may have been late to the flag game, but we were relatively early to the statehood party!"

Flip that flag over, though, and you're in for a surprise. Gone is all that formal, official-looking stuff. Instead, you're greeted by... a beaver. Yep, a beaver. Just chilling on a log, facing right, like it's posing for a woodland creature photoshoot. Now, before you start thinking Oregon's flag designers had lost the plot, let me explain. The beaver is actually one of Oregon's state symbols, representing the state's industrious nature and rich natural resources. Plus, let's be honest, it's pretty darn cute.

All of this - the fancy front and the beaver back - is done up in gold on a navy blue background. Blue and gold, Oregon's colors, creating a striking contrast that's hard to miss.

From Military to Civic: The Flag's Design Origins

Now, you might be wondering where this design came from. Did someone just wake up one day and think, "You know what would look great on a flag? A beaver!"? Well, not quite. The design actually has its roots in Oregon's military history. Back in the 19th century, Oregon's militia (now known as the Oregon National Guard) had a flag that featured the state seal's escutcheon on a blue field. It was a standard regimental flag, following U.S. Army specs. The new state flag took this military design and gave it a civic makeover, tweaking the proportions and adding that beaver for good measure.

Stitching History: The Flag's Creation

But adopting a flag design was just the beginning. Someone still had to make the darn thing! Enter the Meier & Frank Department Store in Portland. Now, you might think it's a bit odd to task a department store with creating a state symbol, but remember, this was 1925. Department stores were the Amazon of their day, capable of pulling off all sorts of feats.

The store assigned the task to two seamstresses, Blanche Cox and Marjorie Kennedy. These ladies had their work cut out for them - quite literally. They had to create this brand new, two-sided flag in time for Oregon to participate in the all-state flag display at the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington in April 1925. Talk about a tight deadline! But Cox and Kennedy were up to the challenge, and Oregon's flag made its debut right on schedule.

Flying High: The Flag's Official Use

Now, you'd think that after all that effort to get a flag, Oregonians would've been hoisting it left, right, and center. But apparently, they needed a little nudge. In 1953, the state legislature passed a law requiring the flag to be flown over schools, courthouses, and other public buildings. It's like they were saying, "Hey, remember that flag we made? Yeah, let's actually use it!"

As time went on, the flag became more standardized. In 1962, the state's procurement office got all official about it, issuing detailed specifications for the flag. These were further amended in 1966. They set the flag's official proportions at 500:833, though in practice, most flags you'll see are made in simpler 3:5 or 2:3 ratios. I mean, can you imagine trying to explain to a flag maker that you need a 500:833 ratio? That's a recipe for some very confused seamstresses.

But even with all this standardization, there was still room for a bit of flair. For those extra special occasions when a regular flag just won't do, Oregon has a "dress" or "parade" version of the flag, complete with gold fringe. It's like the flag equivalent of putting on your Sunday best.

Winds of Change? The 2008 Flag Redesign Contest

Now, you might think that after all this, Oregonians would be perfectly content with their unique, two-sided, beaver-adorned flag. But you'd be wrong. In 2008-2009, the Oregonian newspaper stirred things up by holding a contest to update the state flag design. It was like opening Pandora's box - suddenly, everyone and their dog had an opinion on what Oregon's flag should look like. The contest generated a whopping 2,500 entries! That's a lot of potential flags, folks.

But here's the kicker - despite all the hubbub and creativity, nothing came of it. The governor and legislature took one look at all those designs and essentially said, "Nah, we're good." Sometimes, the devil you know is better than the 2,500 devils you don't, I guess.

A Hidden Treasure: Rediscovering the Original Flag

However, the contest wasn't a total wash. All that flag-related publicity led to an unexpected discovery. Remember that original 1925 flag, painstakingly crafted by Cox and Kennedy? Well, for years, everyone thought it had gone up in smoke when the state capitol burned down in 1935. But lo and behold, it turned up in the most unexpected place - framed in a stairwell at Eastern Oregon University's Pierce Library in La Grande.

Turns out, Governor Pierce's grandson had donated the flag to the library (which was dedicated to his grandfather) back in 1954. For decades, it had been hiding in plain sight, quietly witnessing countless students rushing up and down those stairs, probably too preoccupied with exams and assignments to notice the historical treasure in their midst. Today, that flag is proudly displayed at the library, a testament to Oregon's unique flag journey.

Conclusion: A Flag as Unique as Oregon Itself

So there you have it - the tale of Oregon's state flag. From its late arrival on the state flag scene to its unique two-sided design, from department store seamstresses to university stairwells, it's a story as colorful and varied as Oregon itself. It's a flag that says, "We may not have been first, but by golly, we're going to be memorable."

And memorable it certainly is. Whether you're admiring the formal escutcheon on the front or chuckling at the beaver on the back, Oregon's flag is a true original. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things are worth waiting for, and that even in the world of official state symbols, there's always room for a little quirkiness.

So next time you see that blue and gold banner flying, take a moment to appreciate it. Remember the postmaster who kickstarted its creation, the seamstresses who brought it to life, and yes, even that industrious little beaver on the back. Because in the end, isn't that what a state flag is all about? It's not just a piece of cloth - it's a story, a symbol, and a little piece of home, all rolled into one. And Oregon's flag tells that story better than most.