In honor of the 4th of July, here’s an old flag raising photo with a local bent. On May 1, 1898 Commodore (later Admiral of the Navy) George Dewey’s fleet destroyed the Spanish fleet in the Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. One of the events held in O’Fallon commemorating the victory was an evening flag raising at Sam Smiley’s residence just northwest of Third and Cherry. About 300 citizens and school children attended. The flag pole was made of gas pipe and stood 56 feet high. There was an impromptu program which included the singing of “America”, “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean”, “Marching thro’ Georgia” and “Flag of the Free” by the school children. The first thing on the program, though, was a “snap shot” by D.C. Eicher – the photo you see here. An interesting side note: Flags, as you might expect, were in abundance around town in a burst of patriotism surrounding the victory. Apparently quite a few flags were planted along the B & O Railroad right of way. But the railroad was not amused. They ordered them all be removed much to the indignation of those who put them there.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 19:10:54 +0000
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