Mail Call: September/October 2007

Image Gallery Big Red dutifully devours his breakfast bun outside the deli in Scio, Oregon. Elwin Trump

Something to Crow About

One day in 1998, a Rhode Island Red rooster appeared on the streets of Scio, Oregon (population 625). They’re not real sure how he got there, but the most popular theory is that he rode into town in the back of a pickup. The rooster, affectionately called “Big Red,” moved into the warehouse of Heikkila’s feed store and proceeded to claim the town – and the town also claimed him. Big Red was at times referred to as the mayor, town mascot or leading citizen. He even rode in a special cage during the parade at the Scio’s annual sheep dog trial days.

I heard about Big Red from folks around the countryside who noted that CNN and Fox News as well as newspapers from everywhere had been in Scio to interview him.

I had to go meet this star, too. I arrived at Heikkila’s about the time they were unlocking the sliding door at the loading dock. I asked, “I hear you have a rooster around here called Big Red?”

“Yeah, sure do,” the man replied. “He’s just inside.”

“Suppose I could get some pictures of him?” “Well, that will be no problem,” he answered with a laugh. “He’ll come right out and pose for you.”

And sure enough, the rooster trotted up to me on the dock. Like a model on a runway, he turned this way and that, almost as if to say, “OK, do your thing.” The warehouse man said, “You’d better hurry, though, he has a date with the bakery delivery truck at the deli up the street. They give him a roll, and he doesn’t want to be late.”

Big Red posed for half a dozen shots before darting down the stairs and across the street, with me following behind. As he rounded a corner, the bakery guys spotted him with a loud, “Ah, there he is!” Big Red paddle-footed right up to them and got his roll with a little tiny dish of water – in a ritual that was repeated daily.

I marveled to a couple of folks, “It’s amazing that the local cats haven’t done him in by now.” To which they replied, “Well, a few have tried, but they found out they weren’t big enough. He’s pretty formidable with those big spurs and that huge wing spread. Cats take off in the other direction when he’s around.”

Last summer Big Red’s luck ran out. One afternoon, while walking home to the feed store, he was mauled by a dog that leapt out the window of a parked car.

He staggered a few steps to the vet’s office and collapsed, making it as far as the examination table.

Big Red’s passing was reported far and wide, and while the community mourned the loss, his inspiration lives on.

Elwin Trump
Wymore, Nebraska

GRIT Goes to College