Barnesville Chamber Seeks Flag Fund Donations as Part of America 250 Celebration
The Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking donations for its annual flag fund, a project that dates to 1984 when Irene Cowgill and her husband, Bill, first raised money to purchase American Flags to hang from street lamp poles in the downtown business district.
Cowgill, who died in 2011 at the age of 84, became known far and wide as the American Flag Lady. The summer after her death, her legion of friends raised funds as a memorial erecting a flag pole and granite bench at Barnesville Memorial Park.
Chamber Director Jill Hissom said the organization is collecting donations to purchase the new American flags, as well as bunting flags for the upcoming America 250 celebration, which kicks off locally the first week of July. Additional details about the celebration will be announced later.
The American Flags are displayed throughout the downtown area. They are hung each spring from the Victorian style street light posts to celebrate the true American Pride in Barnesville.
“The hanging of American Flags has become a Barnesville tradition,” Hissom said.
Village Administrator Roger Deal informs Hissom each year how many flags need to be ordered for the season. Hissom purchases sewn-star flags from American Flags and Poles in Marietta.
Hissom said the chamber typically spends between $650 and $800 each spring on replacements. This year, the goal is to raise at least $800 for the American flags and bunting flags.
Bunting flags will be a new downtown addition. They are festive, semi-circular flags featuring stars and stripes in red, white and blue.
The chamber hopes to purchase at least two dozen bunting flags to hang near the West Main Street parking lot and the area where the Christmas tree is located over the railroad tunnel, once the location of the infamous “liar’s bench.” The bunting flags cost $22 each for a three-foot version and $52 each for the six-foot version with stars.
Donations can be made in cash at the chamber office, located at 130 W. Main St., or by check payable to the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce Flag Fund. All contributions will go directly into the designated fund.
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