Benny Benson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benny Benson
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Benson c. 1927
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| Born | September 12, 1912 Chignik, Territory of Alaska, U.S.
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| Died | July 2, 1972 (aged 59) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Flag designer, airplane mechanic |
| Years active | 1927−1969 |
| Employer | Kodiak Airways |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 2 |
John Ben "Benny" Benson Jr. (born September 12, 1912 – died July 2, 1972) was an Alaska Native. He is famous for designing the official flag of Alaska. Benny was only 14 years old when he won a special contest in 1927. His design was chosen for the Territory of Alaska. Alaska later became a U.S. state in 1959.
Contents
Benny Benson's Life Story
Early Years in Alaska
Benny Benson was born in Chignik, Territory of Alaska, on September 12, 1912. His father was Swedish-American, and his mother was Aleut-Russian.
When Benny was three years old, his mother passed away. His father could not care for Benny and his brother Carl. So, they were sent to an orphanage. Benny grew up at the Jesse Lee Home for Children. This home was first in Unalaska and later moved to Seward.
Life After the Orphanage
After finishing school in 1932, Benny left the Jesse Lee Home. He went back to the Aleutian Islands to work with his father. They spent time fishing and even trapping blue foxes.
However, the price of furs started to drop. So, Benny decided to move to Seattle in 1936. He used the $1,000 prize money from the flag design contest. He used it to attend the Hemphill Diesel Engineering School. There, he learned how to repair Diesel engines.
In 1938, Benny married Betty Van Hise. They had two daughters, Anna May and Charlotte Abbot. Later, Benny moved to Kodiak with his daughters. He became an airplane mechanic for Kodiak Airways.
Later Life and Legacy
In the mid-1950s, Benny reconnected with his sister. They had been separated for 30 years. Sadly, his sister passed away soon after. His brother Carl also died in 1965.
Benny faced some health challenges in his later years. In 1972, he married Anna Sophie Jenks, who had also lived at the Jesse Lee Home. Benny Benson passed away in Kodiak, Alaska, on July 2, 1972. He was 59 years old.
Designing the Alaska Flag
The Alaska Department of the American Legion held a contest in 1927. This was 32 years before Alaska became a state. The contest was for Alaskan children in grades seven through twelve. They needed a design for the future flag of Alaska.
Before this, Alaskans only used the U.S. flag. This was since the territory was bought from Russia in 1867. Benny's design was chosen from about 700 entries. These entries came from schoolchildren all over the territory.
Many other designs showed the territorial seal or the midnight sun. Some included the northern lights, polar bears, or gold pans. Benny's design was unique and stood out.
For his amazing achievement, Benny won $1,000. He also received an engraved watch and a trip to Washington, D.C. Benny said he looked to the sky for the symbols in his design.
Remembering Benny Benson
Benny Benson's legacy lives on in Alaska. Many places are named in his honor:
- Mount Benson, a tall mountain near Seward, was named after him in 1974.
- Benson Boulevard is a major road in Anchorage. It was built in the 1970s and named for him.
- The Benny Benson Memorial is located on the Seward Highway in Seward, Alaska.
- In 2013, the airport in Kodiak was named "Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport." This honored his 100th birthday.
- Benny Benson School in Anchorage helps students who need extra support. It is part of the Anchorage School District.
