Rocky Ford enterprise., 1916-02-18

to the old building the heraldic device of stars
and stripes which Washington accepted as his
own coat OF arms. and which is commonly re-
garded as the origin of the American flag.
In the summer of 1911 the suggestion was made
by a prominent member Of the British Peace COM
mittee that the historical property should be pur
chased and dedicated a memorial to the peace
full relations existing between the two countries
during the past century. the dedication to be one
of the features Of the international celebrations
I'm 1914. This idea Immediately met with popular
favor The British committee acquired the prop
erty. and dedicated It to peace between England
and the United States
: The manor has been made into a Hall of Rec
ords. where matter pertaining to Ango-American
unity 10 kept II is understood that lecture chair
soon win be supplied by the purchasers and that
will be its first occupant ~
, Charming Old Place.
The manor is q charming piece OF old archi
lecture. gray with the rains frost and sunshine
of 300 years The house stands at the eastern
extremity of the village of Sulgrave in Northamp
tonshire and 1t is approached from the west by
a pretty green croft. separated from the almost
encircling road by a hedge.
To the right of the gable end of the manor is a
low stone wall with larch gate. facing a small
court. partly paved and partly in grass. From the
courtyard the house Is entered by {. handsome old
stone doorway. above which little attic projects
from a tiled roof The fine old Tudor doorway
is surmounted by shield containing the Wash.
iington coat of arms. which three centuries have
somewhat robbed of its original sharpness, but
which is still unmistakable.
What fortune had that shield of private
English gentleman-to become the most notable
lblazon of all the world! Strange to think that
this little obscure stone coat of arms III q Sc
,cluded Northamptonshre village should be the
original of much-should still be extant. AS
strange to think of the contrast between the tor
pid and monotonous rustic life surrounding It for
many generations with the rush and roar of
existence in our great republic.
There is very little doubt that the three stars
and the three stripes furnished the idea for the
American flag In the flag, as in the original. the
stars signify divine influence guiding the bearer
in the right way. while the bars denote one who
sets the bar of conscience ami religion against
wicked temptations and evil desires. The colors.
red and white seem to follow also; the red mean.
ing military bravery and fortitude; the white
peace and sincerity.
Tradition attributes the suggestion to Benja.
min Franklin. Tupper is probably right when.
in his Centennial Drama he makes Franklin
say:
/ proposed 1t to the congress.
II was the leaders old crusading blazon,
washington's coat. his own heraldic shield.
And the spur, when we must choose a flag
Symboling independent unity.
We and not he-al was unknown to him
Took up his coat of arms and multiplied
And magnihed it, in every way to this
Our glorious national banner.
He adds also, some illusions to the old man.
tion:
The Washingtons. of Washington.
In County Durham. and on Sulgrave Manor
County Northampton. bore upon their shield
and for the crest
An eagles head upsprnging to the light,
The architraves OF Sulgrave testify.
As sundry printed windows in the hall