MOOSUP LODGE NO. 113, A.F. & A.M.

125 YEARS OF MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER

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Moosup Lodge possesses a complete collection of state and territorial flags available to local youth groups. Lodge Historian Peter Dalton provides an educational narrative on the origin of flags in general and those in our collection. Additionally, school and youth groups are encouraged to display their patriotic pride by marching in parades with the flag collection. If you are affiliated with a youth group and would like to take advantage of this offer, contact Moosup Lodge.

Old Saybrook Middle School 5th graders march with the Moosup Lodge flag collection in the 1998 Old Saybrook Memorial Day parade.

ORIGIN

While constructing props for "An Oath . . . An Obligation", a 1996 Table Lodge honoring the Masonic presidents, one brother suggested that a portrait of each Masonic president be displayed, accompanied by artifacts associated with that president. It was suggested that one of those artifacts be the flag representing that president's home state. Another brother related that the local VFW had a complete collection of state and territorial flags, and that he would request their use.

After approaching the VFW, he learned that the flags were actually the propery of a local resident, Hugh Fraleigh, and that Mr. Fraleigh had loaned the flags to the VFW on the condition that they be used as educational tools. Mr. Fraleigh had personally acquired the collection to make presentations to local school and youth groups, and for those youths to display at public affairs and parades. Unable to continue the presentations himself, Mr. Fraleigh turned custodianship of the collection over to the local VFW, hoping that the veterans would help carry out his mission. Unfortunately, the flags had fallen into disuse, and had been relegated to a musty closet. Mr. Fraleigh was happy to hear that someone else was now interested in his flags.

Moosup Lodge retrieved the flags, brought them to a local dry cleaner, then arranged them on display in the lodge, inviting Mr. Fraleigh to see what had been done with them. Impressed with their use, and overjoyed at the care the lodge had shown the flags, Mr. Fraleigh turned to Brother Peter Dalton and said, "As far as I'm concerned, these flags are yours now." Brother Dalton was struck speechless as Mr. Fraleigh explained how he had compiled a volume explaining the meaning and origin of each flag - a book he had used in years past to give educational lectures. Would Brother Dalton like that volume as well? "Absolutely!"

With the Table Lodge complete, Brother Dalton sent letters to local schools, outlining the program he could present at the schools, and how the flags would then be available for the classes to use in local parades. The response was very positive, and today Brother Dalton makes presentations regularly to several local schools -- some as far as 35 miles away. Following Brother Dalton's visit, each child chooses a state to study, presents a report on that state, then carries that state flag in the ensuing parade. Since extending the offer, Moosup Lodge has had the pleasure to march along with a youth group in at least one parade each year.

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You may contact Moosup No. 113 by e-mail,
or by writing to:
P.O. Box 53
Oneco, CT 06373
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