Name/Title
Flag, United States, 48 starsEntry/Object ID
2023.09.01Description
6x10 foot fabric flag with appliqued stars and sewn stripes. This is not a printed flag, it is constructed of red, white and blue fabrics sewn together. The material may be cotton or linen or perhaps a wool blend because there may be small moth holes in the fabric. The flag has two brass-colored grommets and reinforced corners on the hoist/header edge. The lower corner of the fly edge has been patched by hand with matching red fabric.Context
United States flags with 48 stars were flown from July 4, 1912 to July 3, 1959 so this large flag may have been associated with the death of soldier Charles J. Freshe, Saugatuck's first World War I fatality, who died in France on Jun. 6, 1918. The flag has diagonal creases that may be from a "13-fold" ceremony that occurs after a flag has been draped over a casket at a military funeral. Before the casket is laid in the ground, the flag is removed, folded into a triangular shape and presented to the family, often the mother or wife, of the fallen soldier.Collection
Military, wars and veteransCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2023.09Source or Donor
Pindras, HollyAcquisition Method
Donation, unconditionalCondition
Overall Condition
FairNotes
The white fabric has yellowed and small holes are spattered across the flag.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Frehse, Charles John 1893-1918Create Date
May 11, 2023Update Date
May 15, 2023
