Awhile ago there was some discussion about Harbour Lights introducing a flagpole with flag on it's lighthouse miniatures. As I remember, there were even suggestions to fly the US Coast Guard flag, Old Glory, the state flag from where the lighthouse is located, or the US Lighthouse Service flag (for lighthouses depicted in earlier times before 1940). After reading Kaiz's post (in this Forum) concerning the resurrection of lightning rods (using the new technology and preformed foam) it made me think about this topic from the past. I think it would be a nice addition (and add realism) to have a flagpole w/ flag on the newer Harbour Lights.
Ron
[This message has been edited by RFoster (edited 12-31-98).]
Great memory Ron. I was thinking about bringing that thread back up to the top sometime. I still think it is a fantastic idea for a bit of "spicing up" the line.
I just re-read Ron Fosters idea about flags on the lights. It would be GREAT if they put the flags on the special MILLENNIUM piece. And it would be GREAT if the piece was the STATUE OF LIBERTY.
I just don't understand all this talk about doing the Statue of Liberty as the Millenium lighthouse. I guess I am one of the fortunate few to already have my LE of the Statue of Liberty.
I'm with you Paul, it would look out of place IMHO. Lighthouse or not I think it would look more like a vacation nick nack I didnt have room to display elsewhere.
I AM in favor of Harbour Lights creating the Statue of Liberty. It did serve for a short time as a true Aid to Navigation.
More importantly, for over a century, The "Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" has served as a symbolic beacon, showing the way to freedom and democracy.
6,500 edition, $150 with a circle of removeable flags surrounding the base. Weathered 'copper' with a 'gold' flame topping the 10" high sculpture.
And for those who want something extra special, an Anchor Bay model of the USS Constitution 'Old Ironsides' in scale to the Statue of Libery.
"It did serve for a short time as a true Aid to Navigation."
There are a couple of key words:
'short time'
It was actually a very short time compared to just about every other lighthouse in the world.
'as a true aid'
From all that I have read it wasn't nessecary at all as a lighthouse and was more for show than aid. One reason for the decommissioning.
" 'Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World' has served as a symbolic beacon, showing the way to freedom and democracy."
I agree it is one of the most important structures in the USA and one of the most important symbols in the world, but its importance is and was not as a lighthouse.
I'm in favor of the Statue of Liberty, too. It was in fact a true lighthouse, complete with USLHS keepers and all. If anyone's interested, I have an in-depth history of it from older back issues of The Keepers Log.
I never said it wasn't a real lighthouse. What I said it wasn't an important lighthouse and it wasn't one for very long at all. The Statue is very, very important, but just not as a lighthouse.
One of the neatest experiences I have ever had was to go to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
Its place in history and the future is not as a lighthouse. It is and always has been the symbol of freedom for the whole world to see. It should be held in high honor, much as the flag and the Liberty Bell, but as a lighthouse representing all of the other lighthouses in the world, nope.
Let the Statue of Liberty stay a "statue" and to get back to what this post originally pertained to: IMHO, I think the addition of a flag or multi-flags would be terrific (of course as long as the lightning rod is looking down at them) I think it should be on a certain piece created every so often. This would keep it unique and tune up interest on those occasions. Perhaps the factory would not let on in advance to what piece might have these changes. The collector would only know when they arrived, could really spice up the chats. The big question? Could the secret stay a secret? Would be fun to try, Bill might have to be out of the country for an extended period however, to try and pull this one off.
Of the 13 posts above (including my original one) only three stayed with the subject, "Flags", while two mentioned both "Flags & Statue Of Liberty". The majority, eight posts here, talk about the "Statue Of Liberty" only. This is obviously a heated topic among HL collectors. Thank's JC & Kaiz for trying to keep us on (or get us back on) the original subject here, "FLAGS". What kind of flag(s) would those preferring flags like to see? U.S., State, Coast Guard, U.S. Lighthouse Service??? Any other thoughts, such as what the flags be made of? Maybe a double-wide sticker (both sides of a flag) that could wrap around the flagpole and adhere to itself. Maybe a miniature cloth flag (could be tough to manufacture and difficult to attach to the pole).
RON: I'm for the real flag-the USA flag. They can make them small enough that they would look good on a light. But Old Glory and the Coast Guard Flag wouldn't look very good flying in front of Pharoh's Light. It would create an International incident.
I have seem two different styles of flags used on collectable miniatures: 1. sticker version which folds onto itself and 2. a solid plastic version with flag stickers on either side of the plastic flag. Both versions were seen on firestaion replicas.
Of the two versions, the sticker that folds over onto itself is much more realistic looking. I am assuming that they can also be created with the "wavy" look, so that it appears they are waving in the breeze.
I have never seen a cloth version that small, but I would have to say, all things being equal, this would look the most realistic. The cost factor would be another issue to look at.
As far as what flag to fly on each piece, give me "Old Glory" on the U.S. pieces and the country flag on the international pieces.
The flags gotta be cloth. Would HL settle for any less in quality? I agree with Mombo about the time period. A then and now HL could have different period American flags.
You are right, I don't collect AB. The less I look at them, the less tempted I am to spend my money on them. My eyes look right past them to the HL's I still need to add to my collection.
The flags look good though. The technology is there, start adding the flags and lightning rods.
-Todd (You can't hide lack of knowledge from knowledgeable people. but you can try)
Okay then how about Baranof"s Castle at Sitka. It was Alaska's first lighted navigational aid. It was a simple torch inside the cupola. It was also on Castle Hill that the Russians and Americans held a small ceremony that turned Alaska over to us for a mere 7.2 Million. It was on Castle hill, Sitka, Alaska, on October 18, 1867 that the Russian flag was lowered and the Stars and Stripes was raised in its place. Here we have a great combination of a very early primative navigational aid, and the significant raising of the US Flag. They seemed to go hand in hand. Would any one out there vote tohave the flag flying in front of this and having it be a special piece? P.S. BY, I would glady go with you, as your employee, to photo this location and obtain old photos. with the flag flying in front of it.
Alas, I fear that Betsy Younger, famed maker of miniature flags, was crushed by impatient tourists outside one of those 7"x7" real lighthouses. She was last seen being carried away by a gull.
If they add flags could we start a whole new generation of LE with motion?? Maybe Bill Younger has a yet-to-be-heard-from brother, Ben, who could develop a mechanism that would have a little keeper emerge from the Keeper's Quarters and move out to the flag pole to hold morning/evening colors? Just think of the possibilities.
