Banner
Object number2002.84.5
Date1917-1919
MediumWool; Paint
Credit LineGift of Stephanie Mallinger
DescriptionRectangle felted wool banner. Brown in color. Bottom edge is cut out and the center appears to be a half circle while edges are pointed. Painted onto the flag at the top is a large cream star with a smaller blue star inside. Cream and blue lettering across the bottom.Dimensions11.5 x 16.5 in. (29.2 x 41.9 cm)InscriptionsSERVICE/OVER THERE
Historical NotesThis banner hung in the Buck family home during World War I. William L. Buck (W.L.B.) served in the American Expeditionary Force between 1918 and 1919. As a truck driver, W.L.B. transported troops and supplies to the front lines in France. After the war, he returned to McKeesport and eventually became a realtor. In 1956, W.L.B. donated 10 acres of land in memory of his father to Pennsylvania State University to establish a permanent campus in McKeesport. In 1967, W.L.B. donated an additional 100 acres, adjacent to Renziehausen Park, which allowed for the expansion of the campus.Label TextThis service flag, also known as a the “son in service flag,” was first displayed in the front windows of homes during World War I to signify a son or husband serving in the Armed Forces. Should the serviceman be killed or die during the period of hostilities, the blue star was replaced by a gold one. This flag hung in the window of Peppa Buck of McKeesport, while her son, William Buck, was serving in the army overseas.
Related person
William L. Buck
(1896 - 1974)
Subjects
Terms
On View
On view
Samuel Rosenberg
1883
