- Early flag poles were simply trees selected for their relative straightness that were cut down, stripped of bark and branches, and then replanted in the ground with a flag attached at the top.
Refined Wooden Pole
- More refined wooden poles were made with spruce or pine trees, which naturally grow straighter than hardwood trees. These trees were stripped of bark and branches and then thoroughly smoothed down with draw knives and planes. They were covered with multiple coats of animal fat to make them weatherproof before being planted in the ground. Because the poles were planted directly in dirt, they tended to rot at the base. Still, well-constructed wooden poles were beautiful artifacts that could remain functional for as many as 50 years.
Steel Pole
- Near the turn of the 20th century, steel flag poles became more popular, although they were often simply the recycled materials that had served other purposes. Ships masts were often repurposed as flag poles. Steel section poles used to house trolley lines were employed to make flag poles and eventually, sectional steel flag poles were manufactured for the purpose of flying flags. Wooden poles became obsolete. In the later 1920s, flag pole producers began constructing the long tapered poles so common today.
It is amazing how much poles have transformed over the years. If you are looking for a flagpole- come check out American Heritage today located in Creve Coeur off Olive Blvd.
Or give us an email for a quote today: info@amheritage.com or amheritagesales@aol.com
