As I stated in an earlier post when the camp closed the Flagstaff was moved to the town of West Cambridge. (Now Arlington, MA) This was about a mile west of the camp.
Here is a little info of its history in the camp. The pole was given to the camp by the United States and was 130 feet tall.(1) It constisted of two pieces. On the official flag raising ceremony speeches were made by R. H. Dana Jr. Esq, US District Attorney and former Gov. Washburn. The 16th Regiment performed a dress parade in front of a crowd of about a thousand spectators, after which each soldier receive pay of $3.60. The regimental band played Bonny Doon, Hail Columbia and the Star Spangled Banner among others. Col. Clark and Lt. Col. Tileston were presented with revolvers after which the regiment received a state flag from Qt. Master Gen. Reed. Gov. Andrew was supposed to be there also but could not make it. Dr. Bell spoke on his behalf.(2)
Below is a photo of the pole at its home on the cornor of Pleasant St. & Mass. Ave.(then Main St.) in Arlington. The photo was taken at some point between 1863-1867. The church in the background was the Orthodox Congregational. (3) As you can see the pole is nearly as tall as the church and disappears off the frame. A very tall flagstaff would most likely have a very large flag. Since you can not see the flag hanging down into the frame it is possible that the staff continues significantly off the frame.
(4)
(1) Boston Evening Transcript, June, 27, 1861, pg 4
(2) Boston Evening Transcript, June, 29, 1861, pg 4
(3) Arlington Past and Present, Parker, Charles Symmes, 1907, Pg 121
(4) Photo from Boston Athenæum
DAN SULLIVAN
Here is a little info of its history in the camp. The pole was given to the camp by the United States and was 130 feet tall.(1) It constisted of two pieces. On the official flag raising ceremony speeches were made by R. H. Dana Jr. Esq, US District Attorney and former Gov. Washburn. The 16th Regiment performed a dress parade in front of a crowd of about a thousand spectators, after which each soldier receive pay of $3.60. The regimental band played Bonny Doon, Hail Columbia and the Star Spangled Banner among others. Col. Clark and Lt. Col. Tileston were presented with revolvers after which the regiment received a state flag from Qt. Master Gen. Reed. Gov. Andrew was supposed to be there also but could not make it. Dr. Bell spoke on his behalf.(2)
Below is a photo of the pole at its home on the cornor of Pleasant St. & Mass. Ave.(then Main St.) in Arlington. The photo was taken at some point between 1863-1867. The church in the background was the Orthodox Congregational. (3) As you can see the pole is nearly as tall as the church and disappears off the frame. A very tall flagstaff would most likely have a very large flag. Since you can not see the flag hanging down into the frame it is possible that the staff continues significantly off the frame.
(4)(1) Boston Evening Transcript, June, 27, 1861, pg 4
(2) Boston Evening Transcript, June, 29, 1861, pg 4
(3) Arlington Past and Present, Parker, Charles Symmes, 1907, Pg 121
(4) Photo from Boston Athenæum
DAN SULLIVAN
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