BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The names and terms have long been synonymous with Flag Day.
Betsy Ross, Spirit of ’76, Stars and Stripes, The Star-Spangled Banner, Old Glory.
- William Jacob Heller founded The American Flag Manufacturing Co. in Easton in 1887
- The company sold flags nationally by mail, helping popularize the nation's symbol
- Among Heller's missions was to have the U.S. flag in every schoolhouse
However, as we again celebrate Flag Day today, perhaps only the most erudite vexillologists are aware of an often overlooked yet important person from Easton who was instrumental in popularizing the flag in America.
William Jacob Heller, a descendant of the family for whom Hellertown is named.
Inspired by a wave of patriotism he witnessed during an 1886 visit to York at a celebration of the American Centennial, Heller founded The American Flag Manufacturing Co. at Church and West streets the following year.
The Easton-based company was the first and largest flag company in the United States. It shipped flags to all parts of the country.
At the time of Heller’s death in 1920, his company manufactured half of all flags sold in America.
During the visit to York, Heller’s love of country was stirred as an American flag was unfurled on a local high school building.
Bothered by the fact he believed there was little enthusiasm nationally for the flag at that time, Heller set off to change that mindset.
According to information on a History of Northampton County website, Heller’s mission was to create a demand for the national flag by founding a factory and by placing a flag on every schoolhouse in the country.
Heller’s idea initially was met with derision. His plan was mocked further when he said he intended to equip a manufacturing plant with 25 machines to make high-grade flags.
Among the items manufactured at the Easton plant in addition to American flags were colonial and national banners, service and regimental flags, state and municipal flags, red, white and blue bunting, and door and window draperies.
During that period, the American Flag Manufacturing Co. supplied all flags used by the Bethlehem Steel Co. and the U.S. Shipping Board.
And schoolhouses throughout America — both outside and inside the buildings — began to be adorned with Old Glory.
That was Heller's goal.
And heavens to Betsy — Ross and otherwise — he achieved it.
