HOW TO DISPLAY MY FLAG

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

On 15 March, 1942 my Dad bought a 23" x 34" U. S. flag with 48 stars and arranged for it to be flown over the hospital where I was born.

 

I don't want one of those triangular shadow box affairs because it doesn't let you see the number of stars.

 

It's not very big but it IS too big for any wall in my house.  

 

I found a floor mount flag pole and base that is adjustable for height and will fit a corner in my dining room.

 

Problems:

 

1. Dad had to staple it to a pole to fly it that day so long ago.  No visible holes exist today  .It  rested for probably 35 years in a silk lined cellophane bag, then when that gave up the ghost Mom put it in a plastic bag.

 

It has no grommets or eyes to hang it from and I don't want to damage it at all if I don't have to.  I'm leaning toward chrome or nickel grommets.

 

2.  I also find it has been neatly folded and stored in a cedar chest for so long that it is "pressed" to the point that it is apparently permanently creased.  It isn't faded nor stained, but I don't know how to flatten it so that it will drape properly.  I hesitate to use steam for fear of damaging the flag in some way.

 

Are there any museum curator type people out there that can suggest how to do this, or even more importantly how NOT to do it.

 

Thanks.  

 

Tom

[Subdeacon Joe]

Your best bet might be to call a museum near you and ask.  Or, if you are near a university,  call the history department,  explain what you need, and one of the instructors should be able to either suggest ways to do it or where to find out.

 

For display on a staff, get some unbleached cotton yarn and a tapestry needle and carefully work the needle between the threads on the hoist and pull enough yarn through to tie the flag to the staff.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Found  a local lady who used to own a restoration business.  Very highly recommended.  I contacted her and she wants me to bring it in next week to see what she can do.  

 

Strangely enough she made a bunch of Victorian Edwardian costumes for me when I was still with the Elks Opera House Guild.

 

Who knew?