Name/Title
Frehse Gold Star BannerEntry/Object ID
2023.09.02Description
Framed, fabric banner with embroidered text and an inset pocket with a photo of Charles J. Freshe, Saugatuck's first World War I fatality, who died in France on Jun. 6, 1918.
The banner is constructed for four pieces of red fabric surrounding a rectangle of white fabric. The white fabric is centered with a star embroidered in gold thread over a blue, printed star of service. A red, white and blue ribbon-edged pocket that frames a photo of Charles J. Freshe, in his soldier's uniform, posing with a goat.
Text embroidered on the red fabric reads "U.S. Marines/45 Co./5 Regt./AEF [45th Company/5th Regiment/American Expeditionary Forces]
The banner is edged with fine fringe.
The thin, wooden frame has a round bar attached to the top edge, possibility this bar was used to hang the banner for display.Context
During World War I and II, families of service members often posted blue star banners in the front window of their homes to show they had a family members serving in the war effort. If the family member was killed in action, the banner was replaced or changed to display a golden star.Collection
Military, wars and veteransCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2023.09Source or Donor
Pindras, HollyAcquisition Method
Donation, unconditionalLocation
Box
185 Morris-Frehse FamilyRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Frehse, Charles John 1893-1918, Morris, Lillian (Sterzing) Frehse 1872-1964, American Legion, 137 Bruner-Frehse Post, Saugatuck, American Legion Auxillary, Bruner-Frehse PostCreate Date
May 11, 2023Update Date
April 24, 2025
