Union Products, manufacturer of the plastic pink flamingo, has ceased production of the quintessential kitsch icon. Apparently, the Leominster, Mass-based company was hit with financial woes, in part due to the increasing cost of plastic resin. Don Featherstone, who created the classic lawn ornament in 1957 during a countrywide epidemic of Florida fever, is still very much alive though and hoping some other company will crank out his creation. According to Wikipedia, every authentic flamingo is emblazoned with Featherstone’s signature under its tail. From the South Florida Sun Sentinel (photo from Union Products):
“They think the pink flamingos could be extinct, and they think I will be extinct soon, too,” (Featherstone) said. “It is sad that it is happening, but it may not be dead yet.”Featherstone and (Union Products president Dennis) Plante are hoping for a resurrection. Plante has been seeking another company to buy the molds. So far, two companies in the U.S. and one in Canada have expressed interest.
“I am hoping that someone will come forward and save the plastic pink flamingo from extinction,” Plante said.
Link (Thanks, Paul Saffo!)