Monday, April 25, 2016

Flagpole Then And It Now

By Greg Hopkins


The post was made of wood was like a boat's pole, which offered ascend to the neighborhood old stories that the shaft was built by shipwrights. It more likely remained between 60 to 70 feet tall. Shockingly wooden posts and the New England atmosphere are incongruent and 16 years after the banner's raising, it must be supplanted.

The second pole was also of wood and was slated to consist of three sections that in total would rise 114 feet, or about 14 feet higher than the present-day pole. This was deemed to be impractical and the pole was reduced to its original height. New England weather was also unkind to the second pole and in 1905, it was struck by lightening, badly shattering the upper section and burning the flag that was flying at the time. The damaged section was replaced, but the lower portion remained unchanged, despite becoming badly deteriorated.

On Feb. 28, 1912, a heavy wind arose at 2 a.m. and the flagpole snapped off about 15 feet above the base. The stump of the pole remained for two years, until the Men's Literary and Social Club of Newtown Street, in a burst of public service, arranged to raise its replacement in time for the July 4, 1914, celebration The new pole was still wooden, but now rose 100 feet high in two sections. It also proved controversial.

The third flagpole suffered a similar fate as its two predecessors. By late 1949, the lower portion of the upper mast was hopelessly rotten. Replacing this section proved too impractical because the bottom portion was not in much better shape. But by now the flagpole had become a local landmark - not replacing it was never considered.

Today, aluminum is still the most popular material used in the construction of flagpoles. It can be purchased in a range of finishes including satin, painted or anodized. The satin finish is accomplished by directional sanding or abrasive polishing. The result is a neat finished look that will not rust or corrode. The surface can be painted in a variety of colors or it can be anodized for a more attractive finish. Anodization is a process that results in an oxide layer on the aluminum that can be altered to produce varying shades of bronze or black. In addition to aluminum, fiberglass is a popular choice. Fiberglass is a lightweight material that has a smooth, attractive finish and is strong and durable. These poles can be purchased in standard white or black, bronze or silver.

This most recent flagpole has remained for as far back as 60 years withstanding climate and car crashes. This is the account of the flagpole made and its development for quite a long time. Today, there is another with an alternate closure. The Flag Company Inc spent significant time in banners and flagpole plans offered an extraordinary version of flagpoles to remember the historical backdrop of flagpole development for future generations.




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