Most People Didn't Know That The Plastic Pink Flamingo Was Invented Right Here In Massachusetts
By Kim Falchek|Published January 24, 2024
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Kim Falchek
Author
Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
Massachusetts is home to many inventions and important first events. The country’s first subway system, first public park, and first public school all opened in Boston, and both basketball and volleyball were invented in our great state. But did you know that Massachusetts is also the original home of a colorful lawn icon?
That’s right! The plastic pink flamingo lawn ornament was invented in the city of Leominster way back in 1957.
These fabulous feathered friends were created by a man named Donald Featherstone, an artist and an industrial designer for Leominster’s Union Products company.
The flamingo lawn ornament was one of Featherstone’s first projects with Union Products. He would design many more lawn decorations and other products as he eventually worked his way up to becoming company president.
The plastic pink flamingo crazy quickly took off and Featherstone’s ornamental birds became somewhat of an American icon. Flamingos soon decorated lawns across the country.
The birds became so popular that Featherstone received the 1996 Ig Nobel Art Prize, a satiric award given to those who make unusual scientific contributions.
“Flocking” or decorating a friend or neighbor's yard with plastic pink flamingos has become a comical way of celebrating a birthday or special occasion.
Don Featherstone passed away in 2015, and his gravestone in Berlin, MA is even decorated with flamingos. Visitors often leave plastic pink flamingos here in his honor.
Though Featherstone is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. Pink plastic flamingos continue to decorate lawns and gardens worldwide and they have been featured in movies, museums, and art exhibits. The city of Leominster even holds an annual "Pink Flamingo Day" to celebrate Featherstone and his whimsical contribution to society.
Do you own a plastic pink flamingo lawn decoration? After writing this article, I think that I need to get a pair of my own! Vintage Featherstone flamingos and other Union Products ornaments can be purchased on Etsy.
If you want to see real pink flamingos up close, there is no need to travel south; these colorful feathered friends can be found at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham. And if you want to read about another important Leominster invention, check out our other article: Few People Know That Massachusetts Is The Birthplace Of Tupperware.
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