Flag for the 30th Annual Meeting of NAVA

NAVA is a scholarly association dedicated to promotion of the serious study of flags. For the past 43 years NAVA has held any Annual Meeting & for most of them a special flag has been created as an emblem for the meeting.

The flag in the photograph above is from NAVA's 30th Annual Meeting which was held in Sacramento, California in 1996, the 150th Anniversary of the Bear Flag.

Black & White Standardized Bear Flag Design

Earlier in these posts we have noted the painting of the grizzly bear done by Donald Greame Kelley in 1953 which served as a basis for the standardized Bear Flag design. But did you know that there is another drawing done for this standaridization?

Also in 1953, one Walter Rank of the CA Division of Architecture drew to scale, without colors, the new official design of the State Flag. It was done to help manufacturers. The black & white drawing was filed with the CA Secretary of State & a copy was included with the new Bear Flag statute & in the copies printed of that law.

http://www.bearflagmuseum.org/1958%20CA%20Blue%20Bk%20Bowman.PDF

Poor Walter has never really received his due credit. Thank you, Walter Rank!

Bear Flag on Sutter Book

The cover of JOHN A. SUTTER by Werner C. Dillier (1996), showing a Bear Flag drawing in its upper right corner.

California State Flag Standardization

When was the design of the California State Flag standardized?


On June 14, 1953, when Governor Earl Warren signed and approved State Senate Bill 1014 "An act to amend Sections 420 and 422 of and to add Section 425 to, the Government Code, relating to the State Emblems."

There has been no change in the design of the California Bear Flag since that date 56 years ago.

Another Interesting Old Bear Flag

This old Bear Flag is interesting for several reasons. The red star has an emroidered gold edge. The words "CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC" are also in a gold color. The bear stand on a grass plat with an unusual shape and design almost looking like grass. The bear's head is up, almost as if he is looking at the star. Finally, the flag has a gold fringe.

We do know what the "original" Bear Flag looked like!

Over the past 50 years or so, it has been common to read that we don't know what the original Bear Flag looked like because it was destroyed in the 1906 S.F. earthquake & fires.

This is just wrong! At least some of the Bear Flags held by the Society of California Pioneers in San Francisco, among which was the likely original, were photographed before 1906. The Pioneers have photographs of them and also the State of California has photographs of them. The State published those photographs in the 1903 California Blue Book. See it here: http://www.bearflagmuseum.org/CABlueBk%201903.pdf.

Also, in Sonoma at the Barracks, there is a duplicate Bear Flag made in 1896 of the Bear Flag which looks just like one of the flags printed in the 1903 Bluebook(not the swallow-tailed one).

Whether that Bear Flag was the original we cannot definitively say. We can say that it is the Bear Flag hauled down in July 1846 by Lt. Joseph Revere and given to the son of Commander Montgomery of the USS Portsmouth. It was also one of the flags destroyed in 1906.

California Governor Hiram Johnson & the Bear Flag

This is a photograph of California Governor Hiram Johnson, courtesy of the California State Archives. He served as Governor from 1911 -1917. Johnson was a Progressive and a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West (NSGW). He was the Progressive vice presidential candidate in 1912 with Theodore Roosevelt and ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1920, but was defeated by Warrne G. Harding. He also was a U. S. Senator from 1917 until his death in 1945.

On February 3, 1911, Johnson signed into law the bill making the Bear Flag the State Flag of California.

Robert Semple Bear Flagger

From the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park website(10/28/2009)

One of the Bear Flaggers was Robert Semple, sometimes called Dr. He died on October 25, 1854, aged 48, due to injuries from a fall from a horse. He is buried in Williams, CA. He was originally from Kentucky.

Semple was among those Bear Flaggers who arrived at Sonoma at dawn on 6/14/1846. Later that day (c. 11 a.m.), he accompanied the prisoners taken, including Mariano Vallejo, on a trip to John Fremont & ultimately to New Helvetia (aka Sutter's Fort). He probably was not present at Sonoma when the Bear Flag was made. He was one of the leaders of the Bear Flaggers & a very tall, ungainly man.

After the Revolt, Semple helped found the towns of Colusa and Benicia. He also founded California's first newspaper, The Californian & was President of the California Constitutional Convention of 1849. For more info: http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=18130.

It was likely Semple who wrote the article on the Bear Flag which was published in The Californian in February 1847 and he also wrote Commander Montgomery about the Bear Flag in the Fall of 1846.

2008 California Bear Flag Cachet

In mid-2008, the U.S. Postal Service prepared to launch its "Flags of Our Nation" stamp series by releasing the first 10 stamps in the series which inluded the California Flag stamp. See, above. These stamps were to be released on June 14, 2008, Flag Day. The stamps were designed by artist Tom Engeman and include the state flag of each state. You can view these stamps at usps.com.

To celebrate the event in California, local postal authorities planned for a special cachet envelope for use with the first day issue stamps to be released at the California State Capitol. The Bear Flag Museum's William J. Trinkle and its artistic director Peggy Rose planned and designed the cachet along with help from Ralph Petty of USPS. The image located above is the design submitted and with minor changes used for the cachet.

The Bear Flag Museum also presented an exhibition at the State Capitol as part of the June 14, 2008 festivities. June 14th also is the most likely date for original creation of California's Bear Flag in 1846 and the day has been celebrated in California almost from the beginning.

California State Flag Colors

What are the colors of the California State Flag? How many?

There are five (5) colors of the flag: white, green, red, and two (2) shades of brown. This is according to the 1953 flag statute.

Before this the original State Flag statute(1911) provided for only three(3) colors: white, red and dark brown.

Just the facts, Sir!

Bear Flag Guidon

1893 Bear Flag Gift to World's Fair Commission

And along the same lines as the last post....

On May 1, 1893, at the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, a reception was held for Californians in the State Building at the Exposition in conjunction with the opening of the fair.

"There were impromptu speeches, recitations, songs, instrumental music, and the formal presentation to the Commission, through Vice-President James D. Phelan, of a handsome silk bear flag, the gift of Pacific Parlor No. 10, San Francisco, of the Native Sons of the Golden West." Final Report of the California World's Fair Commission (1894, Sacramento, State Office of Printing).

1893 Bear Flag Graphic on Wine Exhibit

This is a photograph of a California wine exhibit brochure currently for sale on ebay. The 4" x 7" fold out booklet advertises The California Big Tree Wine Exhibit at the 1893 Columbian Expo which was held in Chicago. Notice the Bear Flag in the upper right corner of the brochure. No star is readily identifiable on the drawing.

Bear Flag Celebration Days

Historically, there have been two days when the California Bear Flag has been celebrated.

In mid-June, the creation & first raising of the Bear Flag has been acknowledged since the earliest times in Sonoma, CA where the events took place. This June 14th, 2009 was no different except the Bear Flag Museum was there with an exhibition.

The second celebration has been around Admission Day, September 9th, the day California was admitted as a state. For many years, the Admission Day parades & celebrations were enormous. Sadly, although still celebrated, Admission Day is no longer a big deal in our State, although the Centennial in 1946 & 150th anniversary in 1996 were well enjoyed.

Another Vintage Bear Flag from Jim Ferrigan

This is a photograph of an older variant of the California Bear Flag. The photograph is from Jim Ferrigan. Note the curious ground on which the bear stands. The bear's legs appear taller and narrower than on most bear flags and the bear seems stiffer in posture. Date of this Bear Flag is unkown.

William B. Ide on the Bear Flag

Prior to his death in 12/1852, William B. Ide, commander of the Bear Flag Revolt, wrote in his Wambough letter:

"the said 'Bear Flag' -- made of plain cotton cloth, and ornamented with the red flannel of a shirt from the back of one of the men, and christened by the words 'California Republic,' in red-paint letters on both sides---was raised upon the standard where had floated on the breezes the Mexican flag aforetime. It was on the 14th of June, '46. Our number was twenty-four, all told. The mechanism of the flag was performed by Wm. Todd of Illinois. The grizzly bear was chosen as an emblem of strength and unyielding resistance."

Another vote for William Todd's involvement and June 14th!

Santa Clarita Bear Project

Beginning c. 2003-04, the City of Santa Clarita, CA started the "California Bear Project" as part of its Art in Public Places program.

The City caused 5' tall x 10' long grizzly bears to be created as blank canvases to be used by artists to display CA heritage. The bears are just like the Bear Flag's bear. The first bear was started in early 2005 by artist Scott Groller.

Santa Clarita also offered the "blank" bears to other cities as well. As recently as 06/2009, El Monte, CA displayed its bear.

If you want to know more go here:
http://www.californiabearproject.com/

Above are images of the model for the bear and then a full size bear.

Recent Commerical Copy of "Todd Bear Flag"

This is a photograph of a relatively recent commercial attempt to duplicate the design of the so-called "Todd Bear Flag," i.e., the Bear Flag William Todd participated in making in 1846. This flag may very well be the original Bear Flag. It is almost certainly the design of the Bear Flag which was lowered at Sonoma on July 9, 1846, when the U. S. Flag was first hoisted at that location in an act of sovereignty. The original of it was one of the Bear Flags which was lost as a result of the 1906 earthquake and fires in San Francisco.

Bear Flag in John Bigelow's Fremont "Memoirs" (1856)

In 1856, John Bigelow wrote in his "Memoirs" of John Fremont:

"Before the junction of Mr. Fremont with Commodores Sloat and Stockton, his operations had been carried on under the flag of Independence -- the Bear Flag, as it was called -- the device of the bear being adopted on account of the courageous qualities of that animal (the white bear), which never gives the road to men -- which attacks any number -- and fights to the last with increasing ferocity, with amazing strength of muscle, and with an incredible tenacity of the vital principle -- never more formidable and dangerous than when mortally wounded. The Independents took the device of this bear for their flag, and established the independence of California under it...."

Rooney & Bear Flag

Rooney is a five member band that formed in 1999. Its members are all Los Angeles natives.

Santa Clarita, California Bear Flag Project

Beginning c. 2003-04, the City of Santa Clarita, CA started the 'California Bear Project' as part of its Art in Public Places program.

The City caused 5' tall x 10' long grizzly bears to be created as blank canvases to be used by artists to display CA heritage. The bears are just like the Bear Flag's bear.
The first bear was started in early 2005 by artist Scott Groller. Santa Clarita also offered the 'blank' bears to other cities as well. As recently as 06/2009, El Monte, CA displayed its bear.

If you want to know more go here:

www.californiabearproject.com"

10/14/2009 Bear Flag at San Francisco State University

This is a photograph taken by William Joseph Trinkle at San Francisco State University today. Above the bear in a swallow-tailed scroll are the words: "TEACH YOUR CHILDREN."

John S. Hittell on the Bear Flag

In a January 7, 1878 statement, historian John S. Hittell stated his Bear Flag conclusions:

"Mrs. John Sears supplied the muslin, and Wm. Todd was the artist. He started by painting a single star, in imitation of the Lone Star of Texas, when H. L. Ford suggested a Grizzly Bear should be used as appropriate to the country. The idea was approved by all, and the bear was painted, standing nearly upright (his position when about to close with a formidable foe), facing the star, and beneath him the words, "California Republic." The paint was obtained from a wheelwright’s shop, and the execution did not excel in artistic merit. [T]he flag was hoisted the same[June 12] evening.

I wonder how Hittell came up with the June 12th date! Sure wish he had bothered to provide sources for his factual claims.

Bear Flag Tattoo on Forearm

This is a photograph of a tattoo of the Bear Flag found on the internet. It is one of a handful of Bear Flag tattoos which have been seen in photographs.

Vallejo on the Bear Flag in 1875

In the 1875 Memoirs of M. G. Vallejo (transl. by Earl R. Hewitt) , Vallejo stated:

"After the reading of the ... proclamation, they proceeded with great ceremony to hoist the flag .... This flag was nothing more nor less than a strip of white cotton stuff with a red edge and upon the white part, almost in the center, were written the words 'California Republic.' Also on the white part, almost in the center, there was painted a bear with lowered head. The bear was so badly painted, however, that it looked more like pig than a bear.

The material for the flag was furnished, according to some, by Mrs. Elliot; according to others by Mrs. Sears. I also heard it said that Mrs. Grigsby furnished it. Those who helped to prepare, sew and paint the flag were the following young men: Alexander Todd, Thomas Cowie and Benjamin Duell. The latter was the one who suggested that a star be painted near the mouth of the bear. Of course, both the bear and the star were very badly drawn, but that should not be wondered at, if one takes into consideration the fact that they lacked brushes and suitable colors."

From the BFM: Sorry for the inconsistency the last few days - out of town at a Vexillology Conference in South Carolina.

Don't Cast Contempt on our Bear Flag!

Did you know that the California Military & Veterans Code Section 614 provides that:

"A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who knowingly casts contempt upon any Flag ... of this state by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it."

This statute was last amended in 1970, when the language was simplified. It was added in 1935 to that Code, but is derived from a Penal Code statute going back to 1919. The only trouble with the statute is that it is almost certainly unconstitutional.

If I were you, I still would be careful casting contempt because you still might find yourself arrested. But then again, it just might give you a nice civil rights suit against the arresting officials.

Bear Flag at Contra Costa County Superior Court

This January 29, 2008 taken photograph is of the California Bear Flag flying at the Contra Costa County, California Superior Court, located in the city of Martinez, CA.

R. D. Barton & the California Bear Flag

R. D. 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.

Bear Flag on Precinct Election Supplies Box

This is an image of a box cover for election supplies which was produced some years ago for use in California. The box bears a California Bear Flag image along with a California County map. The box is in the collection of the Bear Flag Museum.

1863 Sonoma & L.A. Bear Flags

Bet you didn't know that on Jan. 8, 1863 the Society of California Pioneers displayed the "Sonoma Bear Flag" in a procession opening and inaugurating the Society’s new hall at the corner of Montgomery and Gold Streets.

A so-called "Los Angeles Bear Flag" and a "Fremont Battalion Flag" were also displayed.

A Bear Flag Purse

This is a photograph of a Bear Flag purse, with a red field, a dark stripe and a bear wearing sunglasses and swimsuit.

A lovely addition to anyone's accessories... NOT!

One of these purses is in the Bear Flag Museum's collection.

Babe Williams & the 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!

Bear Flag at Monterey Customhouse

Here are two photographs taken of the Bear Flag flying at the Monterey, CA Customhouse. This is a similar location to wear the U. S. Flag was first flown in an act of sovereignty in July 1846. The photographs were taken in 2004.

Froggy Bear Flag

This is a relatively recent version of the Jumping Frog Flag first proposed to replace the Bear Flag in the 1940s as a method of promoting the Calaveras Jumping Frog Jubilee. This flag is in the collection of the Bear Flag Museum.

Bear Flag Nickname

Other than its general name, the BEAR FLAG, the first known nickname for the Bear Flag came from a letter written by John E. Montgomery, teen son of the USS Portsmouth Commander Montgomery to his mother.

In his July 25, 1846 dated letter, young Montgomery wrote: "Cuffy came down growling" in describing the lowering of the Bear Flag on July 9, 1846.

We don't know how he came up with the nickname Cuffy, although we have seen a few references to cuffy being a nickname for bears in the 1800s. Specifically, in 1867, Baily's Magazine of Sports and Pastimes, Volume 76, at p. 358, "cuffy" is given as a nickname for "the common black bear." Later there was a children's book call the The Tale of Cuffy Bear(1915).

When was the Bear Flag Made?

Exactly when was the Bear Flag created has been a matter of some dispute.

What we do know without much dispute is that Sonoma was taken by the Bear Flaggers near dawn on 6/14/1846. Almost certainly the flag was made at Sonoma after it was taken.

We also know that the flag had been created by noon on 6/17/1846 because Lt. Missroon of the Portsmouth saw it by that time and reported in writing about its existence.

At some point in those 77 or so hours the Bear Flag was made.

Bear Flag Pennant

This is a California Bear Flag pennant acquired by the Bear Flag Museum in the last few years. Dating is uncertain but possibly from the 1940s to 1960s given the style of pennant and the bear.

Don't Forget to Take a Look at the Bear Flag Museum?

We just wanted to remind you folks that this blog is brought to you by the Bear Flag Museum, located at www.BearFlagMuseum.org. Stop by when you can. Thanks.

Steinbecks' Bear Flag Restaurant

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.

1910 Admission Day Pin

A photograph of a pin for 1910 Admission Day celebrations in San Francisco, CA.

1855 - Bear Flag Back in California

On September 8, 1855, CA Senator Weller wrote to the Society of Cal Pioneers:

"Previous to leaving Washington City in March last I obtained from the Navy Department two flags which were used in this state at an early date by the Americans. One is the “grizzly bear flag” which was hoisted by our countrymen at Sonoma in July 1846 immediately after the defeat of De La Torre by Capt Ford and his gallant comrades. These flags although they certainly do not exhibit much artistic skill they are so connected with the early history of American affairs in California that they must be of interest to your association. They will at least serve to keep in remembrance the names of the brave and fearless pioneers who made the first movement towards expelling Mexican power from this territory.

'I know of no better disposition I can make of them than to commit them to your charge. As relics of the past I doubt not they will be carefully preserved."

The BEAR FLAG back in Cali!!!