This service flag was displayed in Schaefferstown during World War II.  Made of cotton with wool applique numbers, the flag measures 95” by 60.” The large blue star and the number “220” stand for the men and women who served during the war; the small gold star and number “3” signify the three men who died in the conflict.

For over 50 years, the flag hung on the south (interior) wall of the Brendle Museum, and over time it had become soiled, stretched out of shape, and suffered insect damage. Last year, thanks to a grant from the Lottwarrick Questers, HSI had the flag professionally conserved by Julia M. Brennan’s Textile Conservation Services, Washington, D.C.  The process included vacuuming front and back, wet cleaning (three times) in non-ionic detergent, then repairing damaged sections and stabilizing the lose edges of the wool numbers.

Once that work was completed, the HSI Board gave Brennan the go-ahead to professionally mount the flag. She and her team attached a 1.5 inch-white fabric border to the flag, and mounted it (hand-stitched on polyfelt) on a custom-made wooden stretcher, which was routed out to hold flush panels of polyethene coroplast.  

We are delighted to have our clean and bright flag back in Schaefferstown on display in the Brendle Museum!