Last modified: 2022-02-19 by rick wyatt
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image by Ivan Sarajcic, 22 June 2007
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The history of Springfield's flag dates back to early 1938, when Phoebe Hensley, a skilled seamstress and active member of the Community Business and Professional Women's Club, was commissioned to handcraft the first flag. The original banner was 4' X 6' in size and was made of one yard each of red, white and blue heavy cotton. The total cost was 75 cents.
The official Springfield flag contains a red, white and blue bar with SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI appliqued on the center white bar.
A large white star is in each of the four corners. Each star and stripe has significance.
The red and blue bars stand for cooperation and civic pride.
The white bar stands for the renown Springfield has received for achievements, which are represented by the four stars of religion, education, home and industry.
Source:
http://www.ci.springfield.mo.us/community/history_museum/history.html#flag
Dov Gutterman, 15 April 1999
image by Masao Okazaki, 10 January 2022
After 5 years, Springfield city council adopts a new "people's" flag.
https://www.ozarksfirst.com/local-news/local-news-local-news/springfield-residents-decide-to-change-city-flag-design/
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Springfield City Council members voted Monday,
January 10 to approve the city’s new flag design. The vote came after a long
discussion from council members and comment from at least a dozen residents.
At the beginning of the discussion, Councilman Schilling made a motion to
refer the bill to change the flag back to the community involvement committee.
That motion did not pass. Cora Scott, the director of Civic Engagement and
Community Involvement recounted to the council the surveys and efforts to get
public feedback the Community Involvement Committee did to gather public input
about the flag’s design. Mayor Ken McClure then made a motion that, if the new
flag design passes, it would take effect on March 1. That motion passed. 15
people spoke in the public hearing on the flag, a mixture of voices before and
against shared their opinion, but the majority of speakers were against the
proposed blue and white flag.
Council members said they think the new
flag symbolizes progress, change, and a chance to move forward. Other members
said they support the new design because they are encouraged by the enthusiasm
behind the blue and white flag. Councilwoman Romine said she believes the
current flag has not been given the respect it deserves and she believes most
people support the red, white, and blue flag.
Springfield Mayor Ken
McClure echoed one of the public speakers in commending the discussion around
the flag. One 19-year-old commenter suggested a display at the History Museum
highlighting both flags. Many members of the Council agreed even if a new flag
is adopted, there’s still a place for the original flag. Mayor McClure said one
reason he proposed to change the date to adopt the new flag was to give
Springfield time to properly honor the historic flag.
The new flag
passed, with the amendment to adopt it on March 1.
A group called the
Springfield Identity Project, made up of local business professionals and headed
by John McQueary, made the new flag’s design. The group says it symbolizes:
Three stars: Innovative Spirit, Connection with Nature, and Ozarks Culture
White area: the Ozark Plateau and Route 66
Compass: represents how
Springfield has served as the crossroads of the nation
Crown: represents
Springfield’s title as the Queen City
Masao Okazaki, 10 January 2022
image located by Paul Bassinson, 30 September 2019
Image source:
https://cdn.irelo.com/
Paul Bassinson, 30 September 2019