Salem, Oregon: Grave of the Wonder Cow

Her official name was "Vive La France" but her tombstone praises her as The Wonder Cow. She was buried on her farm in the 1920s, but was so wondrous that she was later dug up and reburied on the State Fairgrounds.

Oregon State Fairgrounds

Address:: 17th St. NE, Salem, OR
Directions:: Oregon State Fairgrounds. Park in the lot of the Oregon State Fairgrounds administration building, which is on the east side of 17th St. NE a quarter-mile south of its intersection with Silverton Rd NE. Walk around to the left of the building (if the gate is open) and keep walking back until you reach the back of the parking lot. Turn left and walk north. You'll pass some trees on the right, then a building. Turn right just after you pass the building. This is the Historic Poultry Building, and the tombstone is in front of it, on its left side.
Hours:: Fairground gates may be closed. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 503-585-9998
Admission:: Free (except during the fair)

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Grave of the Wonder Cow

At the Oregon State Fairgrounds a grave, between the Poultry building and the Forster Livestock Pavilion (the "Cow Barn"). The headstone reads

Vive La France No. 319616
THE WONDER COW, Held 3 World Records
at One Time, Produced in 6 years, test 5332 Lbs. Fat
Grand Champion P.I., Portland Ore, 1919

P.I. stands for Pacific International-known as the "Pacific International Livestock Exposition". There is a line at the bottom of the headstone which reads "Pickard Bros. Marion Ore."

[Sara Whitworth, 09/09/2005]

Vive La France died in the early Spring of 1923 or 1925 (records are unclear) and was buried in the front yard of her owner. After he died in 1952, she was dug up and reburied on the State Fairgrounds, so that others could be inspired by her wondrousness.

Grave of Champion Milk-Producing Cow

There is a grave of a "famous" milk cow from the late 1800s. It is now on the grounds of the Oregon State Fairgrounds. The record was set for giving the most milk at the Pacific International Livestock Exposition in Portland, OR. I saw it last year at the fair -- for more details from me you will have to wait 'til next year!

[anon., 01/21/2001]