History lessons is a grouping of historical stories and tidbits. The topics range from the American Civil War through interesting items from around the world. Please use the comments area to ask questions and make suggestions for future topics.
A young artist from the Midwest caused a sensation in 1909, little knowing she would inspire a flag that saluted sports at Saint Louis University, thanks to a coach’s portly shape. The cause was her creation of an inanimate object called a Billiken. Florence Pretz was an aspiring artist and illustrator with an interest in… continue
Seven decades ago this month, the horrific years of World War II ended with the surrender of Japan. In the U.S., American flags were raised, saluted and paraded as joyous crowds spilled into streets throughout the nation. Even pigeons joined in the jubilee. In New York City on August 15, 1945, Mr. and Mrs. John… continue
Two years ago, CNN broadcast a documentary titled “The Flag.” The work of Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein, it traced the story of a missing American flag, the one hoisted on 9/11 by three firemen in a tableau that recalled the flag-raising on Iwo Jima. “That flag is missing?” was the reaction of many startled… continue
At this time of year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are traveling around the country for two purposes: first, stopping at flea markets and antique shows while on vacation; and, second, delivering their children to college. Either way, they’re going to see flags. The American flag is a popular decoration at flea markets. Many vendors… continue
On July 23, 1885, Ulysses S. Grant died in a small cottage atop Mount McGregor in upstate New York. He had gone there to complete his memoirs as cancer ravaged him. He succeeded, just as he had in winning the Civil War two decades earlier. In both victories, American flags played major roles. When word… continue