Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Vacation
We will be out of the country for a week & this may limit our ability to add to the blog. But don't worry, we will be back soon.
California Bear Flag at Walnut Creek, CA Superior Court 2004
This is a photograph taken in 2004 of the Bear Flag flying at the Walnut Creek branch of the Contra Costa County Superior Court.CA Government Code Section 431 mandates the flying of the California Flag "in front of the buildings or grounds of or at each of the following places: (a) Each public building belonging to the State, a county, or a municipality."
Henry Beeson, Surviving Bear Flag Man
Did you know that on May 1, 1909, the Kelseyville Parlor of the NSGW presented to Henry Beeson, then of Booneville, Mendocino County "a gold badge in honor of the fact that he is the only survivor of the historical Bear Flag party.... [and] a pioneer of Lake county....?" S. F. Call 05/02/1909.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Oops! Your Stripe is Showing. Upside Down Bear Flag Pleasant Hill, CA
Here are two photographs of the California Bear Flag inadvertently flown upside down in January 2008 at the Pleasant Hill location of the Contra Costa County library. Within ten minutes of these photos being taken, the mistake was corrected & the flag was flying right side up. "Cuffy" the bear was a might dizzy for awhile from all the blood rushing to his head.
California Bear Flag in Bellflower, CA
Photograph of the California Bear Flag along with the U.S. Flag & flag of the City of Bellflower, CAThe Sizes of the California State Flag
According to CA Government Code Section 420, the law establishing the Bear Flag as the State Flag, there are only 6 "official" sizes for the State Flag: "The state official flag hoist widths shall be two, three, four, five, six and eight feet" with corresponding flag fly lengths of 1.5 the hoist width.
Technically, anything bigger or smaller is not "the state official flag."
Trust me, I'm a lawyer!
Did I actually use the words "trust" & "lawyer" in the same sentence?
Technically, anything bigger or smaller is not "the state official flag."
Trust me, I'm a lawyer!
Did I actually use the words "trust" & "lawyer" in the same sentence?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Bear Flag at Blue Coyote, Squaw Valley, CA
This is a Bear Flag photographed in July 2009 flying in the front of the Blue Coyote Sports Grill at Squaw Valley, CA.R. D. Barton - A Father of the California State Flag
Above is a photograph of R. D. Barton take from the souvenir program of the launching of the Armored Cruiser USS California in 1904. Barton was a San Francisco musician & postman & longtime member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. In April 1909, Barton proposed to the annual convention of the NSGW a resolution recommending to the California Legislature that it adopt the Bear Flag as the flag of California. This resolution was adopted at the convention and Barton was made a member of the committee to promote this result. 22 months later in early February 1911, the Bear Flag became the California State Flag.R. D. Barton's role related to the California State "Bear Flag" did not cease with its official adoption. In late 1911, the California State Legislature met in Special Session. Barton and Edward H. Whyte, "attaches" to the Legislature, noted the absence of the State flag in the Senate and Assembly Chambers, although the flag had been adopted as the official State flag in February. As a result a large 10' x 16' Bear Flag was purchased and hung in the Chambers of the California Assembly.
On April 5, 1914, just a little over three years after the Bear Flag became California's State flag, R. D. Barton died. Below is a photograph of Barton's tombstone in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma, CA.
12 Tufts of Grass
California Government Code Section 420 (1953) establishes the design of the Bear Flag in great detail and it even includes a drawing to which "[t]he general design and the details of the Bear Flag, excluding colors, shall correspond substantially." The design includes the "bear ... on a green grass plot" and everyone knows this. One detail almost commonly missed by manufacturers and the public is that there are to be "12 grass tufts in the grass plot" "Dark brown" in color. Did you know about the 12 brown tufts of grass? I'd bet not.
The State of California, Military Department in March 2002 published a brochure on the Flags of California and related California flag information. You can check out this 32 page brochure here:
http://www.bearflagmuseum.org/Flags_Over_California.pdf It’s a nice brochure. Take a look!
The State of California, Military Department in March 2002 published a brochure on the Flags of California and related California flag information. You can check out this 32 page brochure here:
http://www.bearflagmuseum.org/Flags_Over_California.pdf It’s a nice brochure. Take a look!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Facebook | Friends of the California Bear Flag
"In the early 1890s, a statement was taken about the Bear Flag Revolt from George W. 'Babe' Williams. Williams was in his mid-20s & at Sonoma. He says out of the 24 men left at Sonoma many, 16 or 17, left for some time period & were not present at the time the Bear Flag was made. Only 7 or 8 men of the original 32-34 man group were around.
He reports:'I have no doubt that within the next ten days [from June 14, 1846] there were a dozen Bear Flags made and floated. Every one who had a boat, store, or public place, desired them, and many of them made Bear Flags.' Babe claims the work on the flag occurred 'on an old work bench', not the ground. He also confirms, as do most sources, the role of William Todd in drawing the original flag. He says the star was drawn 'with a piece of red chalk'. Babe claims the bear was in a standing position, not walking."
An interesting report on the Bear Flag don't you think!
He reports:'I have no doubt that within the next ten days [from June 14, 1846] there were a dozen Bear Flags made and floated. Every one who had a boat, store, or public place, desired them, and many of them made Bear Flags.' Babe claims the work on the flag occurred 'on an old work bench', not the ground. He also confirms, as do most sources, the role of William Todd in drawing the original flag. He says the star was drawn 'with a piece of red chalk'. Babe claims the bear was in a standing position, not walking."
An interesting report on the Bear Flag don't you think!
You can find the Bear Flag Museum at http://www.bearflagmuseum.org/, sacwiki.org, Friends of the California Bear Flag on Facebook, & on myspace. We are dedicated to sharing all information about the California Bear Flag.
Friday, July 24, 2009
No Secessionist flag for Sonoma
On July 6, 1861, fifteen years after the Bear Flag Revolt, about a dozen of the old pioneers met in Sonoma at the Plaza to celebrate the anniversary of the Bear Flag raising. They drank a toast of Californian wine and a couple of them spoke. "It had been the intention to hoist the old Bear flag, but a report having been started that they intended to hoist a Secession flag, this part o the programme was not carried into execution. It is the intention to have a more extensive celebration next year, when they will hoist the old flag" Daily Alta California 07-09-1861. Did you know that? I'd bet not.
In September 1874, the Society of California Pioneers planned a steamship excursion for all members of the various Pioneer Associations, most likely as part of Admission Day Celebrations. Apparently somebody bobbled the planning and there were many complaints, including by W. M. Boggs of the Sonoma Association of Pioneers, who wrote: "Pioneers of Sonoma and members of the Bear flag party contemplate demanding the Bear flag (which rightfully belongs to the Sonoma Pioneers) from the San Francisco Association[Society of California Pioneers] who have disgraced the emblem of the Pioneers." The Daily Alta California cautioned against rash demands and stated: "The resentments of today will soon be forgotten." It also tweaked Sonoma's Pioneers by noting that they had given up any claim to the flag many years before & that the California Pioneers had long ago perfected its title to the flag. Daily Alta California 10/08/1874. Bet you didn't know about that!
In September 1874, the Society of California Pioneers planned a steamship excursion for all members of the various Pioneer Associations, most likely as part of Admission Day Celebrations. Apparently somebody bobbled the planning and there were many complaints, including by W. M. Boggs of the Sonoma Association of Pioneers, who wrote: "Pioneers of Sonoma and members of the Bear flag party contemplate demanding the Bear flag (which rightfully belongs to the Sonoma Pioneers) from the San Francisco Association[Society of California Pioneers] who have disgraced the emblem of the Pioneers." The Daily Alta California cautioned against rash demands and stated: "The resentments of today will soon be forgotten." It also tweaked Sonoma's Pioneers by noting that they had given up any claim to the flag many years before & that the California Pioneers had long ago perfected its title to the flag. Daily Alta California 10/08/1874. Bet you didn't know about that!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Steinbeck & the Bear Flag Building
In 1945, John Steinbeck published his novel "Cannery Row." One of the locations in the book is the BEAR FLAG Restaurant, a brothel operated by a woman named Dora. Because of the book, Ocean Avenue in Monterey was renamed Cannery Row in 1953. But the story doesn't end there.
In 1929, a family named Wu constructed the Marina Apartments on Ocean Avenue (now "Cannery Row"). These Apartments have a red tiled, Chinese styled "dragon roof." For some time period, the Marina Apartments actually operated as a house of prostitution. After the publication of Steinbeck's novel, the Marina Apartments were renamed as the "Bear Flag Building." It is located at 645 -653 Cannery Row, Monterey.
Go here for a photo of the building: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/3729770197_667645cd7d.jpg?v=0.
In 1929, a family named Wu constructed the Marina Apartments on Ocean Avenue (now "Cannery Row"). These Apartments have a red tiled, Chinese styled "dragon roof." For some time period, the Marina Apartments actually operated as a house of prostitution. After the publication of Steinbeck's novel, the Marina Apartments were renamed as the "Bear Flag Building." It is located at 645 -653 Cannery Row, Monterey.
Go here for a photo of the building: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/3729770197_667645cd7d.jpg?v=0.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Did you know...
The 1909 Grand Parlor of the NSGW established a committee to promote the adoption of the BEAR FLAG as the California State Flag and those efforts were successful in early1911. But I bet you didn’t know that wasn’t the first time. On April 26, 1893 during the NSGW Grand Parlor in Sacramento, a resolution was offered "to make the bear flag the official emblem...." Fresno Bee 4-27-1893.
As of 1953, it was reported that the Great State of California only purchased 50 to 100 BEAR FLAGs a year, according to Fred W. Links, asst state director of finance. That’s a little surprising don’t you think. Oakland Tribune 3-06-1953.
On Sunday June 14, 1896, the S. F. Chronicle reported on the Semi-Centennial of the BEAR FLAG celebrations held on June 13th. Only two reputed original members of the Bear Flag Revolt were present that Saturday in 1896 - Ben Dewell & Henry Beeson. Did you know that?
As of 1953, it was reported that the Great State of California only purchased 50 to 100 BEAR FLAGs a year, according to Fred W. Links, asst state director of finance. That’s a little surprising don’t you think. Oakland Tribune 3-06-1953.
On Sunday June 14, 1896, the S. F. Chronicle reported on the Semi-Centennial of the BEAR FLAG celebrations held on June 13th. Only two reputed original members of the Bear Flag Revolt were present that Saturday in 1896 - Ben Dewell & Henry Beeson. Did you know that?
Monday, July 13, 2009
Betcha Didn't Know....
Did you know that on Febraury 28, 1853, State Senator M. M. Wombough, representing Colusi and Yolo Counties, introduced a Resolution which was adopted: "That the Secretary of State ... use his best endeavors to procure from Col. J. C. Fremont, (or wherever it may be found,) the original Declaration of Independence of the province of Upper California, during the civil Revolution of 1846, known as the "Bear Flag War,’ with all possible information relative thereto. Also, the original flag around which that gallant band of daring spirits rallied, and being in advance of the General Government, planted the flag of Republican liberty on the shores of the Pacific, south of 42 north latitude."
In a June 12, 1955 published letter to the Oakland Tribune editor, Mrs. Robert Maher, criticizing a law permitting the poisoning of bears, said: "California honors the bear on our State flag, but I suggest we change it and put a skull and cross-bones on it." She noted that the bill required the posting of signs "For Bears Only" and wondered: "Do they expect the animals to read the sign before they eat the poisoned bait?" Good point, Mrs. Maher, but lets keep our good ol’ Bear Flag. No skull and bones please!
On June 14, 1946, Bear Flag Day and the centennial celebration of the Flag, the McClatchy newspapers logo - "Scoopy the Bee" drawn by Walt Disney - was shown struting with the Bear Flag (instead of selling papers) in the upper left and right corners of the front pages of the those papers, including the Fresno Bee. Finally the Bear Flag gets some respect!
Some years after the ‘46 Bear Flag Centennial, California Governor Warren again got involved with the Bear Flag, when on June 14th, 1953 he signed into law the statute which greatly detailed the design, specifications and colors of the State Flag. That design has remained in place without change for the past 55+ years. Can you believe that?
Bet you didn’t know that there are three roadways in California and one in Illinois named after the Bear Flag. Bear Flag Way in Sacramento, Bear Flag Road in Sonoma and Stonyford, and Bear Flag Drive in Hanover Park, IL, not far from Chicago. You can see photos of the 3 California streets at the Bear Flag Museum or check them out in Google maps. I wonder why they named a street in Illinois "Bear Flag Drive"?
In a June 12, 1955 published letter to the Oakland Tribune editor, Mrs. Robert Maher, criticizing a law permitting the poisoning of bears, said: "California honors the bear on our State flag, but I suggest we change it and put a skull and cross-bones on it." She noted that the bill required the posting of signs "For Bears Only" and wondered: "Do they expect the animals to read the sign before they eat the poisoned bait?" Good point, Mrs. Maher, but lets keep our good ol’ Bear Flag. No skull and bones please!
On June 14, 1946, Bear Flag Day and the centennial celebration of the Flag, the McClatchy newspapers logo - "Scoopy the Bee" drawn by Walt Disney - was shown struting with the Bear Flag (instead of selling papers) in the upper left and right corners of the front pages of the those papers, including the Fresno Bee. Finally the Bear Flag gets some respect!
Some years after the ‘46 Bear Flag Centennial, California Governor Warren again got involved with the Bear Flag, when on June 14th, 1953 he signed into law the statute which greatly detailed the design, specifications and colors of the State Flag. That design has remained in place without change for the past 55+ years. Can you believe that?
Bet you didn’t know that there are three roadways in California and one in Illinois named after the Bear Flag. Bear Flag Way in Sacramento, Bear Flag Road in Sonoma and Stonyford, and Bear Flag Drive in Hanover Park, IL, not far from Chicago. You can see photos of the 3 California streets at the Bear Flag Museum or check them out in Google maps. I wonder why they named a street in Illinois "Bear Flag Drive"?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Bet You Didn't Know....
On June 14, 1946, a celebration of the Centennial of the Bear Flag was held in Sonoma. On that day, California Governor Earl Warren had the honor of raising the Bear Flag in the Sonoma Plaza. I’ll bet you didn’t know that. This is the same Earl Warrren who a few years later became Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court. S. F. Chronicle 6/15/1946.
Did you know that as early as September 25, 1846 members of the Bear Flag Revolt met in Sonoma to establish a committee to try and gather all the information they could about the Bear Flag Revolt? As early as that they believed it was worth preserving the history of their Revolt.
Bet you didn't know that the most common first name of the Bear Flaggers was "William" or "Bill" yep, it's true.
If your ever in Sonoma, CA, be sure to walk down the east side of the plaza along th shops to 466 First St. East. It is an office. Cup your hands at the side of your face to shade your eyes and look in. On the wall opposite you in what looks like a waiting room, there is a quite large and very old Bear Flag hanging on the wall. It's Bob Parmelee's office, the author of Pioneer Sonoma (1972). The flag is a treasure. Bet you didn’t know that one.
Donald Greame Kelley ( Pacific Discovery Magazine editor and an artist at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco) did a painting and drawing of a grizzly bear on a plat of grass in 1953 which are now part of the statutory design of the California State Flag. Kelley’s Bear is the Bear of our State Flag. The original painting is still held by the Secretary of State at the California State Archives in Sacramento. Did you know that? Oakland Tribune 3-06-1953; D.L. Emblen ed Don Greame Kelley, in memory of a remarkable man (Vineburg, 1991, privately printed)pp 31- 33.
Did you know that as early as September 25, 1846 members of the Bear Flag Revolt met in Sonoma to establish a committee to try and gather all the information they could about the Bear Flag Revolt? As early as that they believed it was worth preserving the history of their Revolt.
Bet you didn't know that the most common first name of the Bear Flaggers was "William" or "Bill" yep, it's true.
If your ever in Sonoma, CA, be sure to walk down the east side of the plaza along th shops to 466 First St. East. It is an office. Cup your hands at the side of your face to shade your eyes and look in. On the wall opposite you in what looks like a waiting room, there is a quite large and very old Bear Flag hanging on the wall. It's Bob Parmelee's office, the author of Pioneer Sonoma (1972). The flag is a treasure. Bet you didn’t know that one.
Donald Greame Kelley ( Pacific Discovery Magazine editor and an artist at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco) did a painting and drawing of a grizzly bear on a plat of grass in 1953 which are now part of the statutory design of the California State Flag. Kelley’s Bear is the Bear of our State Flag. The original painting is still held by the Secretary of State at the California State Archives in Sacramento. Did you know that? Oakland Tribune 3-06-1953; D.L. Emblen ed Don Greame Kelley, in memory of a remarkable man (Vineburg, 1991, privately printed)pp 31- 33.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
