Protection of the Flag Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Protection of the Flag Monument
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Protection of the Flag Monument, November 2009
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 715 S. Main St., Athens, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1900-1902 |
| Architect | McKim, Mead & White; Brewster, George Thomas, et al. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000604 |
| Added to NRHP | June 8, 2001 |
The Protection of the Flag Monument is an important war memorial located in Academy Park in Athens, Pennsylvania. It's also known as the "Defense of the Flag Monument." This historic monument was designed in a classic style by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The amazing sculpture on top was created by George Thomas Brewster.
The monument was built between 1900 and 1902. It has a strong granite base, and on top sits a bronze sculpture. This sculpture shows an adult soldier and a young drummer boy. They are dressed in clothes from the American Revolutionary War, and they are protecting their flag from enemies. A special plaque on the monument explains that it was built to remember soldiers who fought to defend the flag.
This monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This means it's officially recognized as an important historical site. It is also part of the Athens Historic District.
History and Design
The Protection of the Flag Monument was finished in 1902. It stands in Academy Park at 715 South Main Street in Athens, Pennsylvania. You can reach the front of the monument from Main Street by walking on a concrete path. There's also a brick walkway on the monument's eastern side. This walkway has two stones with bronze plaques, a state historical marker, and a flagpole.
The monument itself is surrounded by a raised granite square. In the middle of this square stands the monument's polished granite base, which is about nine feet tall. On top of the base is a bronze sculpture, about eight feet tall. This sculpture shows a wounded soldier from the Revolutionary War holding a rifle, and a young, barefoot drummer boy.
The sculpture was ordered in 1900 by Joseph Whipple Stickler and his wife, Charlotte Snell Stickler. It was officially shown to the public in June 1902. Joseph Stickler was a successful businessman and gave a lot to charity. His wife, Charlotte, went to school at the Athens Academy, which used to be where the monument is now. Her father, Captain John Snell, was one of the first white children born in Bradford County around the time of the Wyoming Massacre.
Special Messages on the Monument
The front of the monument faces west in the park. It has a bronze carving of two laurel wreaths twisted together. Below these wreaths are the words that explain why the statue was built:
"PRO PATRIA ET GLORIA
ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF OUR SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT IN DEFENSE OF THE FLAG."
The Latin phrase "PRO PATRIA ET GLORIA" means "For Country and Glory." The rest of the message explains that the monument was built to honor soldiers who fought for the flag.
On the back of the monument, facing east, there is another message. It says:
"PRESENTED TO THE TOWNSHIP OF ATHENS, BRADFORD COUNTY BY JOSEPH WHIPPLE AND CHARLOTTE SNELL STICKLER OF ORANGE, NEW JERSEY MDCCCC."
This message tells us that Joseph and Charlotte Stickler gave the monument to the town of Athens in the year 1900 (MDCCCC is the Roman numeral for 1900).
Becoming a Historic Place
The Protection of the Flag Monument was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States. It is also located within the Athens Historic District.
