People tend to be resistant to change, especially when it comes to the fixtures of our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, many of the landmarks from our childhood stomping grounds become unrecognizable as the years pass. Old shops are torn down to make way for strip malls, favorite restaurants go out of business, and local business owners pass away. While modern progress marches on, we're left to mourn the past that's lost.
Luckily, some things manage to remain. Here's a neighborhood icon that's been loved and cherished since the 1970s, and it's still standing proudly. If you grew up in or near Aloha, Oregon, you probably remember The Harvey Rabbit.
The Harvey Rabbit started his existence as a Texaco Big Friend statue. He showed up at Harvey Marine after a windstorm damaged him, and his owner thought that Ed Harvey could repair the fiberglass.
The owner of the Texaco never showed up to claim the repaired Big Friend, so Ed got the crazy idea to fabricate a rabbit head and stick it on the Big Friend body. Then he placed the Harvey Rabbit in front of his marine shop, and Harvey has held a special place there since 1974.
Harvey quickly became an iconic attraction in the little town of Aloha. Over the years, he's helped the community celebrate the holidays, including Valentine's Day...
...Halloween...
...and of course, Christmas! Residents and visitors alike have always enjoyed seeing what Harvey is up to.
Ed once told a reporter that as many as 2,500 cars passed his marine shop every day, just to see Harvey. Many would honk, wave, or stop for photos. Schoolchildren from all over wrote Harvey letters, and it's said that the FBI even used the iconic rabbit as a meeting place for informants, because they couldn't miss the huge 26-foot-tall rabbit/man.
Ed Harvey passed away in 2017, and the marine shop closed its doors for good the following year. But don't worry! Harvey is not going anywhere. The Harvey Business Trust is dedicated to keeping the rabbit in tiptop shape for years to come.
The property is still being developed, but Black Rock Coffee Bar opened its doors in 2018.
Harvey now proudly holds a Black Rock coffee cup with one hand, and waves hello to passing cars with the other.
You'll find Harvey at 21250 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy., Aloha, OR 97006.
Have you seen Harvey Rabbit in person? He's one of just several roadside attractions in Oregon - check out these 8 bizarre roadside attractions that will make you do a double take.
You can see more photos of Harvey from throughout the years on The Harvey Rabbit Facebook page.
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