Here we have a vintage Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill, OR bumper sign, a fascinating piece of ephemera from the House of Mystery roadside attraction. This unique piece of automotive history takes us back prior to the 1940s, a time before bumper stickers.
Before bumper stickers became a ubiquitous form of personal expression on our vehicles, bumper signs, like this one, were crafted from printed cardboard with holes in the corners. These signs could be affixed to a car's bumper using wire or string. While they allowed drivers to showcase their affiliations and interests, they weren't known for their weather resistance. Attempts were made to weatherize these signs with varnishes, shellac, or wax, but success was elusive, and not many exist intact today. This Oregon Vortex bumper sign is a late example, and dates to 1950.
The Oregon Vortex is home to the House of Mystery, a mind-bending structure where normal perceptions of height and space are thrown into disarray. In this peculiar building, visitors witness people who seem to grow or shrink in size, water that flows uphill, and broomsticks that stand at impossible angles. It's an attraction that has perplexed scientists and delighted visitors for generations, inviting people to question the very fabric of reality itself. A visit to the Oregon Vortex and the House of Mystery is an experience that challenges your understanding of the world and leaves you in awe of the mysteries that nature can conjure. This piece was copyright by Mildred Litster in 1950, the wife of the original owner of the House of Mystery, John Litster.
This vintage Oregon Vortex bumper sign not only offers a nostalgic glimpse into the evolution of vehicle adornment but also serves as a unique piece of Oregon's history. This piece of auto ephemera would look stunning framed and hung on a wall. Whether displayed as a conversation starter in your home or as part of your automotive memorabilia collection, it's a tangible piece of the past that sparks curiosity and tells a story of the days when cars proudly wore their interests on their "sleeves."
