Peggy Hall (right) and Maxine Gowing, both employees from the Salem Statesman, standing with blossoming trees in Salem. Hall holds a branch of cherry blossoms as the pair stands looking at the trees. A photograph from this series was published in the Oregon Journal on Sunday, April 12, 1953 (negative 1 of 11).

Maxine Gowing (right) and Peggy Hall, both employees from the Salem Statesman, standing in front of the Oregon State Capital building in Salem. They hold a branch of cherry blossoms between them. A photograph from this series was published in the Oregon Journal on Sunday, April 12, 1953 (negative 6 of 11).

Two young women stand next to a planter box and hold a hose that waters the plants. They look at each other and smile. They are preparing for the Oregon State Fair. The fairgrounds are partially visible behind them, and there are large flower bushes in the background on the left (negative 9 of 12).

A commercial flower nursery in the Silverton, Oregon area. Rows of light-colored flowers can be seen in a field. An irrigation system is visible among the plants.

A close-up view of rose bushes in bloom in the Silverton, Oregon area.

A display of flowers at the Silverton Community Fair in Silverton, Oregon. Vases and baskets full of flowers are arranged in tiers on three tables.

A display of flowers at the Oregon State Fair in Salem, Oregon. Vases and baskets of flowers are arranged on tables and on the ground.