Pink flamingos – do YOU bring along these kitschy symbols when you camp?
Do you know anything about the history behind the birds?
Here’s what I’ve been told. Correct me if I’m wrong. (Oh, somehow I know you will!)
Early in the 20th century, there existed a hot, humid, swampy wasteland.
People called this frightening, uninhabitable place “Florida.”
Pink flamingos! This one is often found loitering in the shadow of our camper. CLICK THE PHOTO to be magically transported to our spirited discussion on Facebook!
No one really wanted to live in “Florida.” Even visits needed to be well timed, because in the summer? Well, everything melted.
Then one day, a brilliant new invention called “air-conditioning” arrived on the scene.
In the 1940s, “air-conditioning” was sold to the masses via window mounted units.
Suddenly, Florida was a lot more appealing!
The sunshine state became quite bearable, even in the summer. People from northern states flocked to vacation in Florida.
On their vacations, they saw exotic birds called “flamingos.” The birds were tall, elegant, and adorned with striking pink plumage.
When the vacationers returned to their northern homes, many wanted to make a not-so-subtle statement about where they’d been.
So they proudly displayed pink flamingo lawn ornaments in their yards.
Somewhere along the line (presumably in the 1950s) the flamingos were adopted by “snowbird” RV campers who wintered in Florida.
The rest is history.
Come on, we're having fun over here. Do what Sally would want you to do. Like us! Really like us!
Electric Signs
Interesting article,i really read it heart failure is often diagnosed due lack of universally agreed definition
and challenges in the world…Thanks,you are increased my knowledge so keep it and do well..
marianj`
I found two flamingos in Newberg Oregon 2 years ago they reside in our yard in Mission Texas every winter.
Chicago Electric Signs
Great informative post…i think it is reaally need today for me and youngsters ….if you have more information please share me …thanks for share me…
abercrombie
A volte mi piacerebbe credere che la gente oggi sarebbe solo ottenere uno stile di vita e rendersi conto di quanto sciocca appaiono. I implicano, perché attualmente spamming, è un mezzo di hacking o di qualche cosa. Basta cessare, per favore, io preferisco studiare la gente anche altri pareri sai. comunque, publish eccellente. solo sbarazzarsi in favore dello spam. grazie.
GaryM
When you enter East Helena MT fom the West end and drive down Main Street, there is a little house on the south side where the flamingos reside. During football season, they are dressed in local and national football garb, in summer you might see spectacular sun glasses, scarves, baseball atire. The mood and dress is changed regularly. The birds seem to be enjoying the attention. We get a huge chuckle each time we drive by and see the pink flock. Cudo’s to them. I don’t own any but do like what I see around.
Tom
Not to be a boar but it was DDT not AC that was responsible for the over population of Florida. The pink guys are really cool and their color is diet related. More importantly, to the best of my knowledge, the last company making those pink guys was in Miami and has stopped production about 5 years ago. Does anyone know of a source of new replacements? Used ones are becoming scarce at yard sales lately.
jerry x shea
And then God said – “Jerry, don’t you dare comment on this.” Sean – Love your humor.
Mr. Geek
Yes. One small string of Flamingo and Palm Tree lights.
I like the Neon Flamingo and Martini, but one I saw really attracts bugs.
William Scott
Yes!
RixeyGal
I don’t camp with flamingos because pink doesn’t coordinate well with the lodge theme I have in my Aliner camper. However, I have 10 flamingos in my backyard which is in a wooded setting. Now, when I’m standing at the kitchen sink, on my back deck or even looking out my bedroom window, I get to see them and they make me smile plus add a huge pop of color to the backyard. The flamingos seem to be very happy in their new environment and none of them have tried to leave the yard yet. They also aren’t afraid of my 3 dogs who frequently play near them. I highly recommend getting the “party pack” of 10 flamingos from solutions.com for $59.98 with free shipping. I used to think pink flamingos were quite tacky, but now I love them!
Jim G
We use a Blue Heron, ever since the bird decided that Koi in our fish pond were an enticing source of food. Now he rides up front in the passenger seat of the RV. Like they say, Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Lindsay
As a Florida Native, we carry a metal flamingo that we set up next to our coach.
N5KW
Sean,
As an Airstreamer in good standing (though occasionally wobbling if Greg (you know who you are) has made the margaritas, I bring:
a standard bean baby flamingo
a neon sign with a flamingo next to a martini cocktail,
a whirligig flamingo
and two sets of pink flamingo lights.
You can’t have too much of a good thing…. 😉
carol in the mountains
Ron Butler
Sean,
Loved it! Still chuckling.