The objects of the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial
Association are to purchase and preserve the historic building,
situated at No. 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa., in which the
first flag of the United States of America was made by Betsy Ross and
subsequently adopted by Congress, June 14th, 1777, and to erect a
national memorial in honor of this illustrious woman.
All loyal American hearts will welcome the glad tidings that active
steps have been taken to purchase the birthplace of the Star Spangled
Banner, and under the auspices of the American Flag House and Betsy
Ross Memorial Association shall henceforth be preserved as a lasting
tribute to those whose heroism resulted in establishing that freedom
which a united people are to-day enjoying.
Appreciating the importance of preserving this relic of the Revolution,
a number of patriotic gentlemen of this and other States have taken the
matter in hand, thus making the movement national in its scope.
Numerous attempts have been made in the past to remove this historic
building to other cities. The present plans provide that it shall
remain in Philadelphia, where it rightfully belongs, there to be held
in trust for the nation.
It has been left to the option of the American people whether the
birthplace of their national emblem shall be permitted to pass into
oblivion.
This landmark should be the mecca and shrine of the whole nation. It
was associated with one of the most memorable incidents of our early
history, and it is most fitting that it should be preserved for future
generations.
Like “Independence Hall,” wherein the Declaration of Independence
was signed, and Faneuil Hall, the cradle of liberty, it speaks most
eloquently of the men and women to whom we owe our freedom.
While we honor the heroes of the past, let us not forget to preserve
the mementoes associated with them. Such relics increase in value as
they are transmitted from one generation to another and form object
lessons in history.
To follow our flag from its birth until to-day would be to write
a history which stands absolutely alone, and from the day of its
creation to the present time it has never trailed in the dust, being
the only exception among the flags of the world. It is not that we
have not been called upon to defend it and the underlying principles
for which it stands, for to-day as we celebrate the anniversaries of
victories on land and sea we cannot but recall, with mingled pride
and pleasure, the achievements won under its glorious folds, and when
our patriots, inspired by a God-like devotion to flag and country,
performed deeds of daring that mark their efforts as the most signal
ever accomplished under any flag by any heroes of any nation.
With all these glorious deeds, and others that must necessarily follow,
let us as a grateful, patriotic people see to it that the birthplace of
our nation’s flag be preserved as a holy shrine.
With the view of making the movement a popular one, arrangements have
been made to have all Americans, of every shade of religious and
political opinion, affiliate alike, and by their participation to
become the preservers of the birthplace of the “Stars and Stripes.”
On these broad principles souvenir certificates of membership in this
Association will be issued at a nominal price, and the names of all
subscribers placed on the roll of honor.
Any person desiring to see the Old Flag House saved and Betsy Ross
honored may become a member of the “American Flag House and Betsy
Ross Memorial Association” upon the payment of 10 cents, for which
they will receive a beautiful certificate of membership, size 11x14,
duly signed by the officers of the Association, and bearing the seal
and certificate number. Upon these certificates in the centre is
artistically portrayed the room in which Betsy Ross displayed the first
Stars and Stripes to the committee appointed by Congress, consisting of
General Washington, Robert Morris and Hon. George Ross. On the left is
an exterior picture of the Old Flag House as it stands to-day, while
on the right is the picture of the grave of Betsy Ross, at Mt. Moriah
Cemetery.
These certificates will be mailed to any address upon the receipt of
10c.