The Strange Tale of Illinois' Flag: From Seal on a Bed Sheet to Almost-Kinda-Patriotic
Believe it or not, Illinois, the Prairie State, the Land of Lincoln, went rocking the "no state flag" look for nearly a century after becoming a state. That's right, folks, for almost 100 years, Illinoisans were basically waving a bed sheet with the state seal ironed onto it whenever they needed to, you know, represent. But fear not, because this flag fiasco has a twist ending that's both hilarious and oddly heartwarming.
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| How Did Illinois Get Its Flag |
The Seal Situation: When Laundry Duty Became National Pride (Almost)
So, what was the deal with the seal-on-a-sheet situation? Well, for some reason, Illinois just never got around to designing a proper flag. Maybe they were too busy inventing the skyscraper or something (seriously, Illinois has a lot to be proud of). So, when it came to official ceremonies or whatnot, they just slapped their state seal on a white background and called it a day. It wasn't exactly inspiring, but hey, at least it wasn't a participation trophy, right?
Enter Ella: The Flag-Obsessed Patriot (and a Design Contest!)
Then, in 1912, a lady named Ella Park Lawrence decided enough was enough. Ella, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), wasn't about to let Illinois be the state that showed up to the national flag party with a glorified laundry item. Fueled by patriotic fervor (and maybe a hint of competitive spirit), she launched a contest to design an official state flag.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
Design Drama: Stars, Stripes, and Almost-Victory
Now, there were other contenders in this flag fight. A fellow named Wallace Rice submitted a design with stripes and stars, which, to be fair, sounds pretty darn patriotic. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. In a turn of events that would make RuPaul proud, the winning design came from Lucy Derwent, another contestant in the DAR-sponsored competition.
Lucy's Legacy: The Flag We Know and Love (Well, Kinda)
Lucy's design, which featured the state seal on a white background (yes, you read that right, the seal again!), became the official Illinois state flag on July 6, 1915. It wasn't exactly the most creative solution, but hey, at least it wasn't a bed sheet anymore!
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Fun Fact: The flag underwent a minor makeover in 1969 to add the state's name in big bold letters. Apparently, there was some confusion about what state the whole "seal on a white background" thing represented. Whoops!
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How to FAQs: Because You Never Stop Learning (Especially About Random State Flag Trivia)
How to Design Your Own Illinois Flag (Unofficial Edition):
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
- Grab a white bed sheet.
- Find the coolest Illinois state seal image you can.
- Iron (or maybe glue, we're not judging) the seal onto the bed sheet.
- Ta-da! You've got yourself an (unofficial) Illinois flag with a touch of DIY charm.
How to Properly Display the Illinois Flag (Seriously, There Are Rules):
- The flagpole's the boss. The Illinois flag should always be on the right side of the flagpole (from the observer's perspective) if there are other flags flying.
- When not on a flagpole, the flag with the seal should be positioned at the top or the center.
How to Avoid Confusion About the Illinois Flag (It Happens):
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
- Remember, it's a white background with the state seal.
- If you see a similar flag and you're unsure, it's probably safe to assume it's not Illinois.
- Unless it's Wyoming's flag. Then you're on your own.
How to Appreciate the Uniqueness of the Illinois Flag (Even If It Is a Little...Seal-Heavy):
- Hey, at least it's not a bed sheet anymore!
- The seal is pretty darn cool, with an eagle, a shield, and a whole bunch of symbolism.
- Embrace the quirkiness! Illinois has a lot to offer, and a one-of-a-kind flag is just another part of its charm.
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