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September 17, 1959: Last Day of the Oregon Centennial Exposition

September 17, 2011 by Dave Leave a Comment

Photo and caption from The Oregonian, 18 September 1959Oregon’s Centennial Exposition and International Trade Fair, a joyful and elaborate blend of spectacular, fun, education and demonstration celebrating Oregon’s 100th year of statehood, ended on Thursday, September, 17, 1959 (The Oregonian, 17 September 1959).

The last official act was held at midnight on the 100th day (the expo opened on June 10), when Northwest Natural Gas’ “pyrohedron,” a huge natural gas flame, was extinguished by gas company employees Ed Hanson and Henry Wolf (The Oregonian, 18 September 1959)

Also on the last day Governor Mark Hatfield and his wife appeared at the International Garden of Tomorrow, where Centennial commissioner Janet Baumhover presented them with roses from the garden to be transplanted at the Hatfield’s Salem home.

Tragically, the Hofbrau, for the first and only time during the 100 days, ran out of beer at 20 minutes to 11pm.

Filed Under: History, Oregon, Portland, This Day in History

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