June “Archives treasure” #1: U.S. flag from 1889
(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) Since June 14 is Flag Day, it’s fitting that our first “contender” in the June “Archives treasures” contest is a historical flag. It’s an original 10’x16’ 42-star U.S. flag from 1889. A portion of this rare flag is shown in the photo above. Archives staff says this flag made of wool gauze with hand-stitched stars probably was the one draped over the Territorial Capitol Building (photo below) at the inauguration of Elisha P. Ferry,…