US // California / 1896 semi-centennial flag
The pervious history of this important 1896 California flag is only partially known, but it was part of the acclaimed collection of Superior Court Judge John T. Ball, of Santa Clara County, California. Because of the legal constraints imposed upon courtroom dcor, Judge Ball used his collection to decorate the walls of his courtroom there being no restrictions on the display of the United States and California flag.
This California flag dates from 1896 and was made for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Raising of the Bear Flag in Sonoma, California in 1846. This flag is a commercial attempt to reproduce the crude flag, The Bear Flag, hoisted in Sonoma in June of 1846 when California declared itself independent from Mexico. It differs from the current, 1911 state flag by the absence of the green ground under the bear; a common feature of flags made prior to the official adoption of the flag by the state of California in 1911.
Hundreds of these were displayed, and sold as souvenirs in Sonoma during the parade and fiftieth anniversary celebrations. This flag was preserved after that celebration in Sonoma until the sesquicentennial celebrations in 1996.
Judge John T. Ball acquired it in 1996 from James J. Ferrigan III of Sonoma, California.
This flag was acquired by Judge Ball from the James J. Ferrigan collection. The flag was acquired in Sonoma Califronia from a private citizen in the 1990's. The oral history attached to this flag is that is was on of the flags displayed during celebrations commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the raising of the Bear Flag in Sonoma in 1896. The flag is similar generally in fabric and style to flags of the period, and there is nothing to preclude the oral histroy from being accurate.
Jams J. Ferrigan III Sept. 12, 2003.
ZFC Important Flag
