Today, June 14, is flag day in the United States so I thought this post would be appropriate.
My daughter who just finished second grade, decided to do her biography project on Betsy Ross (she had to do several persuasion papers, a biography, autobiography, an entrepreneurial project (design, build, and sell for profit a product – in her case an easel made out of popsicle sticks) and more), which I found a bit disconcerting. As an astute student of history I know that the only “proof” we have of Betsy Ross sewing the first American flag is a family legend which started after she died by her grandchildren.
At first I was put off by my daughter’s choice, mostly because of the tale told about Ms. Ross is now told so often and is printed in so many history books that it actually became fact, with absolutely no evidence. Much like George Washington’s wooden teeth (they were made of bone – could you imagine chewing with wood splinters?), or that Columbus discovered the Earth was round (the first globes went on sale the year Columbus sailed, by the way he didn’t “discover” America either) and many more. If you’re interested in the subject I recommend Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Lewen.
The Betsy Ross Story was actually published three decades after her death in a paper presented to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Written by William J. Canby, Ross’ only surviving grandson, the author claimed that he heard the story from his grandmother (Betsy Ross) and other members of the family throughout the years.
Canby was 11 when Mrs. Ross died.
Of course, I told none of that to my beloved daughter, there will be plenty of time for me to rant on and on about her history classes only contributing to a mighty “F” grade. Although I think I’ll just help her get an “A”, and of course do well on her standardize testing so she could become a Clone Trooper like the rest of us. As a good father I supported her decision scheduled a trip to Philadelphia where Betsy Ross’ House is now a museum as well as taking her to the library to pick up some books.
As a bibliophile and a good parent, I read them as well.
Guess what?
I learned a thing or two from the books as well as our field-trip. Mrs. Ross was a very accomplished woman, actually it is a disservice to her legacy that she is known only for … maybe… sewing the first American flag. Mrs. Ross was an entrepreneur at a time when most women were housewives, she was a first rate seamstress and upholsterer who made the desk covers for Independence Hall. Mrs. Ross also made musket cartridges for the Revolutionary army (an act of treason) as well as starting a Quaker meeting hall (church) which still stands today. Mrs. Ross’ only verified contribution to the American flag was the five pointed star (you can make it with one cut of the scissors, Washington actually liked the six pointed star).
Did I say the legacy was a disservices to Betsy Ross?
I stand corrected, it is a disservice to each and every young lady who holds her as an icon because … she made a flag?
Betsy Ross by Alexandra Wallner –
A kid friendly informational book with interesting facts and great pictures. The book follows Betsy from her childhood, in which she apprenticed in sewing, to adulthood, 3 marriages, widowhood, children and grandchildren. This is a “nice” history book but I didn’t like the fact that it tells of George Washington and Betsy Ross’ meeting when there is absolutely no proof that they even knew one another. Yes, the fine print in the book does mention that we don’t know who made the first flag, but the huge picture of Ross & Washington’s “meeting” undermines that.
Betsy Ross: Patriot (Spirit of America: Our People) by Vicky Franchino – This book was probably my favorite of the bunch. The author’s position is that it doesn’t matter if Betsy Ross made the first flag or not, she was a patriotic woman who did a lot more than that and also prospered when life was much harder than it is today. The book is enhanced by historical drawings and etchings (many colorized) as well as great sidebars which were interesting. The book separates the history of Betsy Ross and that of the American flag.
That being said, I don’t know if I would recommend it for second graders, but maybe 4th graders.
Betsy Ross: The American Flag and Life in a Young America by Ryan P. Randolph – An informative books, something you might find in your child’s school. The book touches more on the lives of Americans and American history than simply on Betsy Ross. The book presents Ross more as a symbol than anything else.
Zohar – Man of la Book
One Comment
I may just get this book for my granddaughter who is going into 4 th grade and needs more reading. Thanks.