No Roughriders on our roses….
Posted by bbc on 27 May 2008 | Tagged as: heard in the park blocks
“Does he have anything to do with roses?” I heard the question from a group of tourists — addressed to one of their leaders, as I made my way through the Park Blocks in front of the Portland Art Museum.
At first I thought, “he, who?” — what are they talking about. Then I realized they were looking at the statue of Theodore Roosevelt, in one of the Rough Rider poses. It stands in the middle of this block and is surrounded by flower beds — most of them roses.
The roses aren’t quite in bloom yet, but the buds are there and will be opening any day. We’re serious about roses here in the Rose City. Our city vehicles may have the legend that says “The City that Works” but that’s not nearly as good as the Rose City.
We’re so serious that we have signs warning you about touching them. Admire all you want but keep your hands (and horses) off them. And Teddy is there to make sure you do.
My desk was behind this column.