Frame Size (H x L): 35.5” x 46”
Flag Size (H x L): 24.5” x 35” 

Offered is a forty-eight star parade flag.  Incredibly, its blue canton is made of blue ribbons presented by the Worcester Northern Agricultural Society (“Society”), its red stripes are made of red ribbons presented by the Society, and its white stripes are made of white ribbons presented by the Society.

Each blue ribbon includes this overprint: WORCESTER NO. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY | FIRST PREMIUM | AT FITCHBURG, MASS.  Each red ribbon includes this overprint: WORCESTER NO. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY | SECOND PREMIUM | AT FITCHBURG, MASS.  And each white ribbon includes this overprint: WORCESTER NO. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY | SECOND PREMIUM | AT FITCHBURG, MASS.    

THE WORCESTER NORTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
The Worcester North Agricultural Society, established in 1852, was a significant force in promoting agriculture, community cohesion, and economic development in the northern Worcester County and western Middlesex County regions of Massachusetts during the 19^th century.  With its annual exhibitions, dedicated leadership, and diverse membership base, the Society made substantial contributions to the growth and prosperity of the communities it served.

The Society’s origins can be traced to the early 1850s when residents from several towns in northern Worcester County recognized the need for an organization dedicated to advancing agricultural and industrial interests in their region.  The Society's initial jurisdiction included the city of Fitchburg and neighboring towns like Leominster, Sterling, West Boylston, Princeton, Lunenburg, Ashburnham, Westminster, Gardner, Templeton, Royalston, and even Ashby in Middlesex County.  Its inclusive membership policy allowed individuals from across the state to join, fostering diversity and influence.

Central to the Society's impact was its annual exhibition, held on the grounds of the Park Company on Summer Street.  These exhibitions occurred on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of September each year and provided a focal point for local farmers, artisans, and community members.  The venue featured extensive facilities, including a half-mile track, stables, cattle sheds, and a large building with two halls for exhibition purposes, along with smaller rooms for various other activities.

These exhibitions were not just showcases of agricultural produce; they were vibrant celebrations of local talent and industry.  Farmers proudly displayed their finest cattle, fruits, vegetables, and manufactured goods, demonstrating the region's agricultural prowess and entrepreneurial spirit.  These events drew not only farmers but also a diverse cross-section of the local population, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The Society was led by dedicated officers, including the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, and Delegate to the State Board of Agriculture, who were elected annually during the Society’s December meeting.  These leaders played a pivotal role in guiding the organization toward its goals and objectives.

Additionally, the board of trustees, representing different towns within the Society’s jurisdiction, ensured that the Society’s reach extended into the local communities.  These trustees were responsible for overseeing various aspects of the Society's operations, such as organizing events, managing finances, and engaging with the local populace.

Community involvement was a cornerstone of the Society’s success.  Local residents, including the ladies of Fitchburg and the surrounding areas, actively supported the Society’s activities.  They organized fairs and "tea parties" to raise funds for the Society, contributing significant amounts annually.  These efforts not only provided financial support but also served as opportunities for the community to come together, strengthening their engagement with the Society's mission.

The Worcester North Agricultural Society left an indelible mark on northern Worcester County and western Middlesex County during the 19^th century.  Through its annual exhibitions, leadership, and community involvement, it played a central role in advancing agricultural interests, fostering community cohesion, and driving economic development.  The Society's legacy endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and innovation in these historic Massachusetts communities.

THE REVERSE
Referring back to the flag, its reverse includes the following embroidered overprint: J.W.O. 1917.  “J.W.O” is a reference to the maker’s initials, and the “1917” is a reference to the year in which it was made.  

THE STAR CONFIGURATION
Nearly all forty-eight star flags have an 8-8-8-8-8-8 star pattern.  In contrast, the flag offered herein has a very unusual 7-7-7-7-7-7-6 star pattern, with a notch in the lower left-hand corner of the canton.  It is the first time that we have encountered this particular pattern. 

Early flag makers were free to arrange the stars on a flag’s canton in any manner they liked.  This changed, however, on June 24th, 1912, when President Taft issued Executive Order 1556, specifying that the star arrangement on forty-eight star flags should be a rectilinear 8-8-8-8-8-8 pattern.  Because flag makers had a great deal of freedom in how they made flags prior to this Executive Order, many forty-eight star flags do not have a linear and horizontal arrangement, particularly those made before 1912 or shortly thereafter (i.e., like the flag offered herein).   

Of further interest, in regards to the stars, they are hand embroidered, adding further to the folksiness and attractiveness of this flag.

FORTY-EIGHT STAR FLAGS GENERALLY
The earliest forty-eight star flags are anticipatory in nature, as flag makers would regularly predict how many states would be added, and when they would be added.  By the late 1890s, flag makers began anticipating and offering forty-eight star flags, evidence of which can be found in flag photographs dating to the 1890s, and on flags with dates printed directly thereon.

The forty-eight star flag represents the inclusion of New Mexico and Arizona to the Union.  New Mexico was admitted on January 6th, 1912, and Arizona was admitted on February 14th, 1912.  The forty-eight star flag became official on July 4th, 1912.  Presidents Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower all served under this flag.  World Wars I and II, and the Korean War were all fought under it.

The forty-eight star flag was official for forty-seven years up until July 4th, 1959, the time at which the forty-nine star flag became official and began to represent the inclusion of Alaska in the Union.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in a distressed wooden frame.  

Condition Report: Some of the ribbons have split.  The splits are the result of this flag being folded for an extended period of time.  There are also splits in the satin silk hoist strip.  There are some stains amongst the ribbons.  In other respects, this flag is in excellent shape, and overall it is attractive and stable.     

Collectability Level: The Best – Perfect for Advanced Collectors 
Date of Origin: 1917
Number of Stars: 48
Associated War: WWI, WWII, and Korean War
Associated State: Arizona