Don Featherstone , a lumber company employee , designed the first lawn chair in 1957 . Garden magazines urged students to display more classy gardens in the 60s . In ' 70s , flamingos came back as a self - conscious symbol of rebellion . In 1979 , University of Miami students planted 1,008 flamingos in front of the dean 's office .
Don Featherstone , a plastics company employee , designed the first lawn flamingo in 1957 . Garden magazines urged homeowners to display more classy ornaments in the 60s . In '70s , flamingos came back as a self-conscious symbol of rebellion . In 1979 , University of Wisconsin students planted 1,008 flamingos in front of the dean 's office .