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Racine, Wisconsin (U.S.)

Racine County

image by Ivan Sache, 12 April 2009
Source: racine.wi.net/racine.html

Description of the flag

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Description of the flag

The flag of the City of Racine in Wisconsin, USA, is presented here: racine.wi.net/racine.html. Here is description:

"The official City of Racine flag, containing a blue and gold emblem on a white background was adopted by the City Council in July, 1948. The flag, which bears the symbols of a plow, an anchor, an anvil, two working men, a spread eagle and a flaming torch, was designed by Stanley Hansen, an 18 year old high school graduate as part of a contest conducted by the American Legion Post 76. Hansen's design was picked from 50 designs.

The official interpretation of the emblem on the flag, as read at the presentation ceremonies follows:

The walking plow brings to mind the means which made possible the preparation of the wide acres which yielded the golden grain that filled the city's large storage elevators.
The anchor guarded the lives of Racine sailors who manned the ships which brought Racine's port the products of the Michigan forests. Its grappling points, driven deep into the lake bottom, held fast, enabling heavily laden craft to ride out many violent storms.
The stalwart specimens of manhood, and the anvil, in the foreground are emblematic of the industry which has brought to Racine the acclaim of the world. Financial interests, creative geniuses, craftsmen and labor share alike in that great attainment. Through their combined efforts there has been given to the "Belle City of the Lakes" added glory.
The spread eagle - our national emblem - is symbolic of freedom, that great treasure which we have so long enjoyed and which today is being eagerly sought by nations in which despotism has ruled with an iron hand for centuries.
Rising above all is the flaming torch illuminating the path which leads to the solution of social problems which lie ahead. The official interpretation of the flag was composed by County Historian Charles M. Christensen."

Valentin Poposki, 13 September 2007

In "The Journal Times", 9 February 2009, Mike Moore complains that the flag does not seem to exist now, except as miniature flags "on aldermen's desks in the Council chambers". A photo of what seems to be a miniature paper flag is shown in the article.
www.journaltimes.com/articles/2009/02/09/columns/doc4990c96f38218118321571.txt
Ivan Sache, 12 April 2009

Racine is located on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Root River approximately 30 miles (50 km) south of Milwaukee and 60 miles (100 km) north of Chicago. The first permanent settlement here was established in 1834 as Port Gilbert. Later Racine was incorporated as a city on the 8th of August in 1848. Improvement of the harbor in 1844 and the coming of the railroad in 1855 brought industrial growth to the city. Racine is a port of entry, and its manufactures include farm machinery, processed foods, automobile parts, machine tools, floor wax, and electrical equipment. The city has been a major industrial center for much of its history and the Gateway Technical Institute is also located in Racine.
racine.wi.net/index.html
Ivan Sache, 12 April 2009