Scappoose, Oregon -
Peace Candle of the World

I grew up in Scappoose Oregon in the late 60s, early 70s. Around the time the Vietnam war ended, the candle factory on the edge of town erected a large "Peace Candle". It was actually an old barn silo coated with wax. Out of the top was a gas flame. They had asked the President of the United States (then Nixon) to light it. He declined, so they asked the governer of Oregon. I remember not being in town that weekend, and watching it on TV from Hood River Oregon. They would re-coat the candle different colors with the season. Christmas red, multi-color for the fall, so on. And, every once in a while, they would emit a scent that would take over the whole town. The flame was supposed to burn forever, but went out several times. At one point the factory was sold, and an electic flame was put on top. [Brad Bivvins, 04/13/2003]

[RA: The "Peace Candle of the World" was dedicated on May 9, 1971. And the Portland region has another orphaned candle attraction about 40 miles away -- Oregon's Sad Centennial Candle.]

There is a giant red candle alongside Hwy. 30 in the town I grew up in. There used to be a candle factory located there, and when it moved, the candle stayed and was dedicated to the city. It now serves as a welcome sign to Scappoose with a neon flame that is turned on at night and strewn with Christmas lights during the holiday season. [Corinne Erceg, 03/02/2003]