This book, "Trees to Know in Oregon," is a significant Pacific Northwest piece of graphic design history that reflects both the educational goals and the environmental awareness of the PNW during the late 1950s. It was designed to familiarize Oregonians and visitors with the rich variety of trees in the region. The design of the book is filled with clear, informative layouts that combine text with illustrations in a way that is accessible and engaging.
The book's design can be summarized within the Mid-century Modern movement, which was marked by clean lines, functional forms, and a clarity of material expression that is mirrored in the book's straightforward presentation. Hugh Hayes hand drawn illustration style creates a harmonious tone that compliments the layout of the book.
The significance of this book extends beyond its physical pages. It represents a regional call to increasing public interest in nature conservation during the post-war period, a time when environmental education was becoming integral to public school curriculums and adult education across the United States. The choice of paper, type setting, and illustration not only made the book an effective educational tool but also a durable and useful outdoor tool.
- Jake Armstead
“Charles R. Ross Papers, 1933-2001.” OSU Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Oregon State University, scarc.library.oregonstate.edu/findingaids/?p=collections%2Ffindingaid&id=996. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
Lehman, Eben. “Forgotten Characters from Forest History: Rusty Scrapiron.” Peeling Back the Bark, 14 July 2016, fhsarchives.wordpress.com/2016/07/13/forgotten-characters-from-forest-history-rusty-scrapiron/#more-6853.
“Meet Mr. Hayes.” Edited by Keep Oregon Green, Keeping Oregon Green Since 1941, Keep Oregon Green, 20 Mar. 2020, keeporegongreen.org/archive/.
