The 50-Star American Flag Began as a High School Projectâ€"and It Only Got a B

After learning about Betsy Ross, you probably didn’t give much thought to how the subsequent U.S flags were designed. It might seem like a no-brainer; flagmakers just added a new star for every new state, right?

Well, turns out it’s not that simple. Each new flag has a very careful design, and the arrangement of the stars must be precise and symmetrical. And for the flag we know today, that arrangement was designed by a high schoolerâ€"before Alaska and Hawaii were even states. (These gorgeous American flag photos are sure to make you feel patriotic.)

In 2009, the designer, Bob Heft, told his tale to StoryCorps. It was 1958, and America only contained 48 United States. The flag at that time featured six rows of eight stars. Heft’s history teacher assigned a class project where each student had to bring in something they made. Having been “inspired by the Betsy Ross story,” and hearing rumblings that Alaska and Hawaii could both soon gain statehood, Heft decided to make a 50-star flag. So he made some adjustments to his parents’ 48-star flag, brought it in, and triumphantly placed it on his teacher’s desk.

His teacher, however, was not impressed. Heft remembers him asking why it had extra stars, chiding, “You don’t even know how many states we have.” Heft’s teacher gave the project a B minus.

But Heft protested the low grade. He told StoryCorps that for each new flag, “The [goal] is to add [stars] so no one can tell there’s a change in the design.” And he felt that his design, with five rows of six stars and four rows of five, did that perfectly. His teacher told him, “If you don’t like your grade, get it accepted into Washington, then come back…and I might consider changing your grade.”

Heft heartily accepted the challenge. He spent the next two years making calls and writing letters to the White House. He even reached out to one of his state representatives, Walter H. Moeller from Ohio, who advocated for Heft’s design. During this time, Alaska became the 49th state, and a 49-star flag briefly flew. After Hawaii gained statehood as well, Heft got the call he’d been hoping for. President Eisenhower told him that his flag design had been chosen out of over a thousand. On July 4th, 1960, Heft went to the White House to see his school project design become the official American flag. In 2007, the 50-star flag became the longest-running U.S. flag. And, yes, his teacher did update his grade to an A.

[Sources: todayifoundout.com, StoryCorps]

Good morning everyone..

Seems I have a date this morning, no new snow yet but what fell yesterday and last night will have to be cleaned up. Just so no one is offended I will waltz with the shovel and then jitter bug with the snow blower. Plows have been going early this morning, do they expect more snow???

Bubble, thank you for the new start page and interesting story!

June thank you for explaining the "patch" for me.. Sounds like you had a full day yesterday an enjoyable one too!

I hadn't planned on getting up this early but it happened, I even woke the dogs up.

Fire is on, dogs fed and tea is made for anyone wanting a cup. Coffee is in the other pot.

I have a few things to do before the dance music starts.

Enjoy your day everyone..

Good morning Everyfriend!  It's not as cold today as it was yesterday. And I don't have to work today. I drew two loooong lanes yesterday and I was exhausted when I got home. Because of the extreme cold we had some call offs so there was a manager doing the assigning and both front end supers were running register. Seems there's always a reason NOT to make waves.

I'm off today and I still don't have my computer back. It must have been really sick. Kiran isn't going to be happy.

I hope you all have a lovely day. Keep warm and cosy!

Good Morning everyone.
Hope  everyone Has a day just like they like it. it is currently 38º here and shooting for only 39º today. I liked yesterday better In the upper 50's. I am at just  feeding the cows and returning to the couch and watch a good western movie. I see AMY and bubble is on line  and someone popped in as i was making this post will go see who , top of the day to everyone.

Lloyd

JaneS I should have new with out looking was you and welcome you are. you always have a pretty smile.as grand mother used to say your smile is smeared all over your face from ear to ear. the nice thing about a smile is one can keep it and give it everyone they see.

Lloyd

Good morning you two!!
I have finished snowblowing and what a job it was with all that ice!!Snowblower was like a young colt jumping about on the ice.I just may look into getting chains for the tires.
Jane, enjoy your day off, knowing you ,you have a pile of work lined up....take time for Jane too please.

Lloyd ,I think one of the nicest things in the morning was to walk into the barn and hearing the cows munching on their hay.

Think it is time for another cuppa tea

Good morning every one, warmer than yesterday but no sigh that sun will appear today. At least it is not as cold as it is where the super bowl will be played. Snowing further north of here, right not they can keep it there.

AMY  this is the first year that the cold has really bothered me. I say it is because I have no more blubber to keep me warm.

JANE  when I did not have my computer I did a lot of reading. Chores I have a hard time doing anymore.

LLOYD  yesterday I woke early and was here before anyone. Today is a bit more normal.

LARRY  hope you are feeling better today. I wish I could be energetic again.

SHIRLEY  I am with you this winter. Too cold for me these days. I turn my thermostat to 80 and still feel cold. Manager wants it set no higher than 68. I saw the moon setting here, looked huge. I watched till the pine trees blocked it.

GLORIA de  we are in for snow tomorrow but not today. With the way the sky looks I think we will get some before the day is over.

BUBBLE  thanks for the new page and beautiful graphic. Love the story on our flag. I have copied it.

AMY  enjoy your dancing with your snow partners.

JANE  every day my computer gives me another problem. Now my disk drive is not working.

LLOYD  ah those good old western movies. I like them, too.

Do You Feel There Is No Hope?
(By Christine Chipman)

In your times of deep despair,
Do you feel there is no hope?
As the darkness closes in on you,
Do you feel you cannot cope?

As you struggle on through every trial,
Do you say "When will it end"?
As you cry yourself to sleep at night,
Do you wish you had a friend?

When your body's racked with aches and pains,
Do you feel you are alone?
When you think about the future,
Do you fear the great unknown?

There is someone who really cares,
And He hears your every cry.
His arms are reaching out to you,
And on Him you can rely.

When things close in around you,
He sees your fear and doubt -
He wants to hold you in His arms,
And He will never cast you out.

As you stumble through the darkness,
He will be your guiding light.
He wants to wipe away your tears,
For you are precious in His sight.

Reach out right now to Jesus,
And let Him take complete control -
He'll take that heavy burden,
And He'll touch and make you whole.

He's reaching out His arms to you,
And He wants to be your friend.
Let Him take you in His loving arms,
For His love will never end.

Bubble, that is a nice story about our flag.  I had not read it before.

Mary Ann

Beautiful heading,  Bubble !!

It is snowing here on the rocky coast of Maine. 
Kelly and I are still planning to go out,  dressed for the
occasion naturally....   

Have a good day,  everyone!
Sandy

  Hi Everyone.  Just going to check in today as really not feeling up to sitting and writing.  Yesterday was a miserable day of constant coughing and I spent almost the entire day and evening in bed.  Then when Pat went to bed I moved to my easy chair and finally sometime after 4:30 this morning the coughing settled down and I was able to get a few hours of sleep.  I am still hacking away today but not as bad as yesterday and will spend the day resting. 

Shirley, Pat changed the menu to a chicken dish last night.  In the tuna casserole Pat uses cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup, tuna, noodles and a lot of cheese. 

Good Morning and Happy February Oneth!

Larry,  I'm very concerned about your continued coughing issues. 

Bubble,  thank you for opening a new Shoppe - and for the interesting story about the flag. 

#1 son is coming after work.  I asked what he'd like for dinner and he said,  "your quick spaghetti".  I had a carton of it in the freezer!!!     May have to make a quick trip to the grocery store to get the right kind of bread but I also have some candy from Christmas in the freezer and he will be very happy to have that for dessert.

"Quick Spaghetti" is my Mother's recipe. She probably saw it in print somewhere and added it to her list of "easy meals", for which she was well-known.    It's browned hamburger, a can of spaghetti, a can of tomato sauce and a package of dry spaghetti sauce mix - stir together in skillet and let simmer while fixing whatever you're having to go with it.
Can't get canned spaghetti any more but I made some "a while back" and used Spaghetti-O's.  Not quite the same but o.k.

This was one of two meals I taught my boys to make so they'd be able to fix something to eat when they were on their own.  Must have been inspiring  (or created a longing for variety!) - because they're now both excellent cooks in all ways.


Wishing Everyfriend Everywhere an Enjoyable Day.

CALLIE, I'm sure I've seen cans of spaghetti come across my counter. So I googled it and found lots of different kind. Mostly it's Campbell and Boyardee. But it is available. Might be because our store is only a few miles from the processing plant. But it's also available on line.

I'm on my third load of laundry and the dogs are getting antsy for lunch. Bye for now.

She, I knew you would be working like a trooper Jane

Callie, I am with you, don't like the idea of the cough lasting this long..

I am going to go sew in a bit.

Gloria:  Thanks for the comforting message. 

We are slow as snails today.  Yesterday was spent driving about an hour plus to visit with two cousins and spouses from Minnesota - I drive and Don sleeps and we do this a lot more now.  Chatting away for a few hours then returning before dark because there could be critters crossing the highway. 

I made a pizza casserole and a few other things for that lunch - there are several recipes in pinterest so if it interests you, just look it up and choose the one you may like.  It is one that is nice to have available and just reheat. 

Larry, I'm going to back up the other two "nags"... that came before me.... I almost dread coming in here when any of you are coughing longer than "we" think you should..... this is not one you can take chances with.  I know you really are smart about your health but this one is a killer & SO sneaky about hitting again when everyone thinks they are "almost over it".  Not getting enough sleep at our age is trouble enough to knock us down, but that hard coughing shakes our weary bones apart.  Thanks for the recipe, sounds good.

Callie, I always keep big ZipLoc tubs of cooked hamburger in the freezer... salt & spice free so can be used for spaghetti, chili, tacos..
etc.  I never thought about using the cans of spaghetti but years ago I bought a spaghetti cooker with the little holes in the lid to drain... & all I have to do is cook it, drain & dump in the meat, I use Hunts spaghetti sauce & extra spices plus a clove of chopped garlic.  Then, like you, it takes special bread... yum.  Sorry we are sending this cold on down... 17 tonight but a little warmer tomorrow.

Jane, got my laundry sorted & looks like 4 piles so far, & a few more IF I get to the bed.  All those sheets I put over everything so cat hair doesn't linger on the stuff I can't wash (carpet, etc).  I was not born to be Suzy Homemaker.   

Amy, you amaze me with the wood burning & all..... I would love to have that kind of a fire to snug up to.... but am grateful I can be lazy & not have to work quite so hard.  I know, "it keeps you young"..

Bubble, gorgeous graphic & love the flag story.... never heard that before.  Thanks!

Gloria, thoroughly enjoyed your words of wisdom, so true.  I don't know how anyone copes without believing "someone bigger than all of us" is in charge.  Just like my singing voice, one time someone gave me a funny look when we were singing in church... I just smiled & whispered, "God gave me this voice".... & winked.  I can stay on key if the person next to me has a strong voice & can carry a tune, but during school I was in the alto group & often sang "harmony".... have not heard anyone sing harmony in the last 50 years. I don't sing in church anymore.   

Lloyd, love your grandmother's saying... "grand mother used to say your smile is smeared all over your face from ear to ear."... I know the reason I have so many wrinkles is because I talk & smile with my whole face, always have.  Life is good so might as well enjoy to the hilt.  I'm getting all those old shows & westerns on my antenna.... so happy with this many choices & "free to boot".

June, 35 years ago when my mother wore "the nitro patch" she wore it on her chest just below her Adam's apple... same place every day & was maybe 3"x 5" at least.  So glad they have learned a lot since then.  Wishing you good days and happy ones to share with us.

Sandy, no "flip-flops" today?  I think it was you saying you wear them year around.     Happy shopping.

Mary Ann, always glad to see your blue text & have a look at your cam.... forgot to check, came in a rush & should not be sitting here so long.  Have a delivery from Fed X today (was not a crank call yesterday but did get through to them today & they do have my phone).... I asked if they could pick up the fire extinguisher on recall for the RV at the same time but got a NO for that.  Since it is considered "hazard" & has the big diamond on the outside, must do exactly as they say. Nice someone discovered they had problems but always is extra work to repackage, etc... and WAIT for delivery & pick up.  I've never used any of the extinguishers we've had over the years.... one time I was heating taco chips in the electric oven/broiler, I opened the door & flames shot out.  I grabbed the box of baking soda off the shelf, ripped the lid back & tossed the whole box full into the oven & slammed the door shut.  Fire went out immediately & so did the taco chips.  I had a bird on my shoulder at the time & from then on when I started for the kitchen that bird would fly back to it's cage! 

I'd better get a move on.  Hope everyone has a good day with plenty of giggles.  Shirley

Carol, I'm with you about driving after dark, too many dead critters on the highways to not wonder what the cars look like!  We used to drive 4-5 hours to MO for a funeral, wedding or reunion & same miles home, but that was when Cas didn't mind driving after dark.  We were young & dumb then.... now just dumb if I run late & sun goes down. 

SHIRLEY, one of mybrother's kids told him he was off key when he was singing in church. He answered "God doesn't hear what's in my voice. He just hears what's in my heart!"  I loved it and I've used it many times.

LARRY. add me to the nags. I'm worried about that cough too!

Gotta get ready to go pick up TLH!  Later friends.

Good afternoon, not to warm, cloudy suppose to rain and change into snow.

Bubble, thanks for giving us a new page, also like that graphic, those were happy times.

Gloria, I like all your posting,  thanks for all the effort, finding all those interest reads.
Carol , glad you are home safe. . Once we drove from Big Spring Texas to Del Rio, We started out in the early morning, as you say there was

so many critters alive and dead along the road.

Shirley and June, when I got the patch, every 12 hours the  put it on the left side and next time on the right  That started when I was in
rehab.  MY primary doctor stopped it cause he said all the pills I was
taking would take care of my heart.

Larry, When Dennis was little the doctor told me to rub Vicks on his chest and take my old PJ's and wrap around his chest.  Now my Cardiac doctor said try vicks on the bottom of my feet and put socks on.!!!?

Gloria de:  You made me laugh at your Vicks rubs.  Mom used to rub it on my chest whenever a cold and coughing happened.  I did the same - the Love/Rub we used to call it.  What a strong odor and still, it did the trick. 
--I learned to pass trucks on the highway when mom and I drove from Seattle to Minnesota - I was 15.  She was so patient - when I was so far to the left that I was hitting dirt, she told me to slowly ease over to the right lane.  Can you imagine?  I had payback when riding with my children on a few cross-country drives too. 

Shirley:  Picturing you with a bird on your shoulder.  That was quick thinking on throwing baking soda in the over. 

Just heard the news that over 80 inches of snow needs to fall before springtime in the Rockies to even be at a normal level.  A disaster waiting to happen. 

Jane,  I haven't found Chef Boy Ar Dee spaghetti in a very long time - all sorts of other pasta but not the "long stringy" kind.  Have never seen the Campbell's brand around here but will look more carefully next time.

Shirley, the whole idea is NOT cooking the spaghetti from scratch!!!!  Too many pans! You just open the cans and dump everything in the skillet with the browned (and drained) meat.
Mother was known for her "put everything in the oven at the same time" meals.  I remember meat loaf and scalloped potatoes and how she would split one end of wieners, put them in a dish with tomato sauce poured over and put them in the oven along with baking potatoes.

BTW, the other meal I taught the boys to make was to make up a box of macaroni and cheese while frozen fish sticks baked in the oven.
I did teach them to heat a can of vegetables as a go with for both meals. 

Shirley, I sing harmony in church because I am not a soprano.  I do find myself singing the melody in the lower range when/if I am not familiar with the tune.  Around home, I find myself singing hymns most often and I often am harmonizing all by myself. 

Callie, I'm not sure, but I think the former Franco-American spaghetti is now put out by Campbell's.  I usually buy the store brand so I really don't know.

I learned to drive with instructions from both my dad and Norm - but not at the same time.  If one confused me with something, the other usually said something I could put together and it all made sense.  I felt both of them were good drivers and Norm told me one day that I was a good driver, which made me feel good!

Gloria de, I'm watching the last part of the golf match from Scottsdale AZ.  It's only the first round, so no big scores yet.

Mary Ann

I'm trying to calm ME down so will explain about the Vicks on the bottom of the feet & under the arm pits.... it will bring fever down faster than anything else... true! 

Spaghetti was a hit - not even a spoonful left!  I found a small loaf of French bread in the grocery store bakery - just enough for two (well...probably three if one of them isn't a great big person  ) and it only cost 81 cents.  (How come there isn't a cents sign on the keyboard?  )

Re: hymn singing.   Hymnals are available at my church but the words are shown on screens and we're not really given time to look them up in the hymnal.  If we did, I could read the notes and sing the alto part.  Sometimes I find myself automatically doing so just seeing the words.
I just stand there pleasantly when we sing those Praise Choruses over and over and...... 

I've been watching a series on the royal Windsors on Netflix and two e-books have just been moved from Reserve to my Loan list.
Off to get into some "soft clothes" and relax in the recliner.

Sleep well, Everyfriend and have pleasant dreams.

I am not inspired so don't expect much from this really tired old lady. Woke at three a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. so as soon as I have something to eat it is off to an early bed.I did go down for a big lunch, and the onto Choir practice, so I did accomplish a bit.

I think I am catching another cold. B.P. was acting up too..177, but I think a good nights sleep will take care of my ailments.

So I will bid you all a very God Blessed night and a happy tomorrow. I love you all, Prayers and hugs. June

Good evening, EVERYFRIEND. 

JUNE, I am sorry to read you are feeling punk again.....I sure hope it is not another cold again!  That waking up and not being able to get back to sleeps really STINKS!  That is what is happening to me as I continue to have this sciatica issue.  It wakes me up about 2 to 3 AM and then I just lay there in terrible pain.  When I get up it eases up for the most part only to appear with vengeance the following 2AM! Take care dear lady and feel better. 

We watched some of the golf from the TPC in Scottsdale today also.  I always feel sad to not be there as we went to see it every year when we lived there and try to be down there this time of the year also. 

Thank you, BUBBLE,  for our new SS. I enjoyed reading the story on the flag and the graphic you shared. 

GLORIA, your Do You Feel There Is No Hope is a nice poem, and there are so many out there tha5 do feel that way and need the encouragement to reach out to our good Lord.  I will share it.  TW, good for you putting the thermostat up to a temp that you can keep warm at.  You are paying for it and that old bag has no business telling you what to set it at! 

LARRY, sad for you that the cough continues and is wearing you down.  Seems that is a common issue with many these days.  I do hope you feel beet soon. 

Pleasant dreams to all. 

Jenny

Callie, our church prints large bulletins and includes the music for the songs in those larger bulletins.  Dot and I both get them so we don't have to worry about the books.  Dot wanted the separate song sheet anyway because the books were getting to be too heavy.  The separate song sheet is a great convenience.  We have new screens on each side of the chancel and I'm not sure if the song words are there or not - I don't have to use the screen anyway.

Jenny, your pain sounds much like Dot's and her new doctor says she has Sacro Iliac Bone Disease.  She has gradually resumed some activities, such as driving, but if someone else wants to drive, she gladly accepts.  We are going to Holland Saturday for the twins' first birthday party and she plans to go with us.  I don't know what meds Dot is taking for her pain and she is seeing a pain doctor.  Did you read about our x-ray mixups?  I posted that two or three weeks ago.

June, if you still feel punk in the morning, go to your clinic for help.  I try to stay away from crowds and so far the only crowds have been at church, which is a good place to get something, but I haven't.  At our age, we can't take chances.   Larry,  you take care, too.

Jenny, I watched some of the golf today; it doesn't really get interesting until Sunday when it ends.  So many games end in ties, or at least close scores.  Of course, they are professionals so they should be good!

Mary Ann

Goog morning Everyfriend!  I'm on a tight schedule this morning. I have to be to work at 8 a.m. I don't like going so early but at least my work day will end at noon.

CALLIE I've often wondered what they did wit the cent sign too.

I'll be back later. I'm going to try to squeeze in my shower while we wait for the BOING for the doggies pill. Enjoy your day!

Good morning everyone..

Chilly here +2 and no new snow to play with Have laundry on the go and house hold chores to attend to today.

Shirley, I love my cookstove and know sooner or later will have to give it up. I hope much later, I figure as long as I can pile and carry wood I am good to go.

June, I know you are on meds but can you take a vitamin pill or even vitamin C ? I don't like waking up that early either ,makes for a long day.

Callie, I love meals like that..Mom would also open a can of spaghetti and slice wieners into it. Another one was to cook macaroni, add a can of tomatoes ,brown hamburg,and onions. Top it all off with sliced cheese that when cooked the cheese on top formed a crispy crust.

Carol, I do all the driving here now. There are days I can drive forever and other days I don't even want to go out the driveway.

Gloria, I borrowed your poem, thank you for sharing it.

Larry, you do realize we ladies are not nagging (much) we just need you here and want you to feel better. We know what happened to Hal from his persistent cough and don't want anything to happen to you.

Please keep a young man I know in your prayers, he is going for chemo,then radiation and then after that he will have his stomach removed. He has a  young family who needs their Dad..thank you.

Well dryer just quit so better look after it.

Enjoy your day everyone.

Good morning Jane, you slipped in....hope you have a great day at work with smiling customers..