I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve posted. Sheesh. But now I’m back and I have a question for all of you: How to you feel about the Made in Oregon Sign? Does it warm the cockles of your heart to see it glowing over the Wilamette? Or are you gung-ho about the new Unversity of Oregon sign?
You may already know the background, but just in case: the University of Oregon now operates out of the building that supports the Made in Oregon sign. Now sign’s owner is arguing that since Made in Oregon is no longer occupying that space, the sign should be changed to read “University of Oregon” in similar script.
Aside from the irony of advertising a university that’s really based hours to the south of Portland, I agree with Facebook’s Made in Oregon Sign Cause group. The sign is no longer just an advertisement for the store; it’s also a symbol of Portland and a tool for marketing.
If you’d like to be Foster PowellPDX’s friend on facebook, just ask– and then you can sign up for the cause yourself. (I signed up as Foster Powellpdx.) Or, you can express your feelings about the sign directly to the Portland Landmarks Commission; as the Oregonian reports, the commission will hold a hearing on the sign change at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, in Room 2500A, 1900 S.W. Fourth Ave.
And please– share your thoughts!
Top photo by Kathleen Tyler Conklin.
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Since the Made in Oregon store folded, this has not been a billboard. It has been grandfathered in as an iconic landmark, but is 12 times the size allowed for current signage. If U of O gets away with this, we must allow Oregon State to erect a similar sign. And PSU should have a giganto display up there in the Park Blocks, too. Then Powell’s Books, Starbucks, Adult Fantasy Video… And this proposed “compromise” allowing U of O to have a “small graphic”, perhaps replacing the part that presently reads “Old Town” is completely bogus! It is the grandiose size of the entire structure that draws every eye, and it must remain an equal opportunity icon. Portland will not sell out!
Please Please do not change the sign. It has been there for so long and is an icon to our city. A University of Oregon sign would not be acceptable, as any school represented would not be. I am not anti U of O, it’s just that I believe the sign should stay as is. It is representative of our city and we should not try to advertise for any university, etc. with the use of our landmark. Pleae let me know if there is anywhere I can send my opinions to. Thank you.