Clover Turns Over a New Leaf, Signs Up for Old Job

Clover the Cow, put out to pasture earlier this year after a flap with the law, is back on the job. Clover became Cloverdale’s mascot a year ago when she appeared on signs at entrances to the coastal Oregon town along U.S. 101. The signs welcome visitors to “Oregon’s Best Kept Secret” on one side, and wish a safe trip to those leaving town on the other side. Clover caught the attention of Bradley E. Wilder, outdoor advertising supervisor for the Oregon Highway Division. He said Clover was illegal because a state law said that only incorporated towns could have roadside signs. But Clover has a lot of support in the town where cows outnumber the 300 residents. When she came down in March, Clover’s supporters carried the bovine through town in a hearse and laid her to rest in a cemetery. Finally, State Rep. Paul Hanneman, from Cloverdale, persuaded his fellow lawmakers to allow the sign.