1959 / 1967 Keep Oregon Green
DESCRIPTION
This engaging pictorial map of Oregon - The Beaver State, was produced and distributed by the Keep Oregon Green Association in the mid-20th century as part of a statewide forest fire prevention campaign.
The map was originally drawn by Hugh J. Hayes and copyrighted in 1959, in commemoration of Oregon’s centennial. Hayes compiled and illustrated the map in that year, which was then revised and published by the Keep Oregon Green Association in 1962 and then again in 1967 as part of their forest fire prevention efforts.
The map of Oregon is filled with illustrations representing towns, industries, wildlife, historic sites, and local culture. Portland, Salem, and other major cities are marked with detailed vignettes, while the state’s diverse geography, from coastal fishing towns to high desert ranches that are depicted with charming visual cues. Surrounding the main map are scenes of maritime history, agriculture, timber production, and modern industry, as well as transportation by ship, train, and airplane. Insets feature the state seal, Oregon’s admission date of 1859, and a list of the state’s governors, further reinforcing the map’s educational value.
Prominently featured at the top and along the borders are symbols of Oregon’s identity and progress. To the west, images of sailing ships and ocean liners highlight the state’s maritime heritage and trade links. To the east, illustrations showcase modern agricultural methods, logging operations, and forest management practices, underscoring Oregon’s dependence on sustainable use of its natural resources. Historic references such as covered wagons and pioneer settlers coexist with modern advancements like commercial aviation, bridging Oregon’s past and present.
The Keep Oregon Green Campaign
Created during a period when forest conservation and wildfire prevention were gaining national attention, this map embodies the civic spirit and environmental awareness of its era. The Keep Oregon Green campaign, founded in 1941, was instrumental in promoting fire safety through public outreach and striking visual materials such as this. By combining geography, history, industry, and environmental messaging into a single visually captivating work, the map serves as both a nostalgic snapshot of mid-century Oregon and a reminder of the enduring importance of stewardship over its landscapes.
CONDITION
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