2873-C, Folder 821

Willard P. Hawley III is shown, dressed as Dan Cupid, cutting Oregon's birthday cake with 70 candles in this 1929 photo. Chester A. Moores, as Uncle Sam, is in the middle and on the right is Miss Florence Mae Miles, who represents Miss Oregon. Courtesy the Oregon Historical Society Library, 2873-C, Folder 821.

Oregon became a state on February 14, 1859. So, doing the math in our heads, that means the Beaver State is about to turn ... 158.

That's not the kind of big round number that elicits parades and other official celebrations, but don't tell that to the Oregon Historical Society. At noon on Tuesday, the archive and museum at 1200 SW Park Avenue in Portland will celebrate both Valentine's Day and the state's birthday with music, cake and two -- count 'em, two! -- former governors.

Margie Boule, the former Oregonian columnist and longtime local radio and TV host, will sing "Happy Birthday" to the state while Ted Kulongoski and Barbara Roberts slice up a mammoth cake. The Oregon Old Time Fiddlers also will be on hand to perform.

On Oregon's birthday, you can peruse the Oregon Historical Society free of charge all day.

-- Douglas Perry