Within my father's research documents and family mementos was a certificate issued by the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial Association to my grandfather, Louis John Zettler of Brooklyn New York. Certificate #48126, issued 1917. As a subscriber to the endowment fund, his name was placed on the Roll of Honor and preserved in the archives of that association.
Certainly, a beautiful Certificate, ornate, illustrative, patriotic, and now preserved in a museum quality frame. Note the certificate is 107 years old.
Birth of our Nations Flag by Chas. H. Weisgerber
Seated figures are General Washington, Hon George Ross, and Robert Morris
I asked my genealogist and his team of researchers to investigate the association, find out how it was started, what became of it and what may have inspired a 21 year old to invest in this patriotic association. At age 21, Louis had been working for seven years, and every earned dollar was precious.
While my fellow humans work on this project, I was curious what my Chatty GPT assistant would come up with, so I ask it… the same question,
Here are the instant results,
The American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial Association was an organization founded in 1898 with the goal of preserving the legacy of Betsy Ross, who is popularly credited with sewing the first American flag. The association aimed to raise funds to preserve Ross's Philadelphia home, where she supposedly crafted the flag, and to create a memorial in her honor. By 1917, this association had gained significant support, partly through the sale of memberships and souvenirs.
Here are some key points about the association and its activities around 1917:
1. Foundation and Goals: The association was established to purchase and maintain Betsy Ross's house, located at 239 Arch Street in Philadelphia, and to honor her contributions to American history.
2. Fundraising Efforts: The association sold membership certificates and collectible items, such as small replicas of the first American flag, to raise funds. They appealed to patriotic sentiments, encouraging citizens to contribute to the preservation of an important piece of American heritage.
3. Public Engagement: The organization engaged in various public relations efforts to promote their cause. This included publishing literature about Betsy Ross and the American flag, organizing events, and reaching out to schools and communities to educate people about her story.
4. Patriotic Appeal: During the period of World War I, patriotism was particularly strong, and the association capitalized on this sentiment to garner support. They linked the preservation of Ross's house with broader themes of national pride and unity.
5. Success and Legacy: The efforts of the association were successful, and the Betsy Ross House remains a popular historic site in Philadelphia. It continues to be a place where visitors can learn about Betsy Ross and the early history of the United States.
The association's work in the early 20th century, including around 1917, was instrumental in cementing Betsy Ross's place in American folklore and ensuring the preservation of her home as a national historic site.
I'll wait for my genealogist to report back and add to this post, curious to see if they've checked with Betsy Ross, to confirm my grandfather's name is still on the Roll of Honor.
Till the next time.
Lou
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What a find Lou! Happy 4th of July indeed!! Yes, Congrats on this are in order for sure!!
If verifiable, trying to associate with an original symbol of the United Colonies is a patriotic act unto itself. Congratulations.
C