Celebrating Colorado's History
Happy Colorado Day! Colorado was given statehood by President Ulysses S. Grant 142 years ago today on August 1, 1876. 1876 was also the year of the 100th anniversary of United States’ independence through the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Today, we celebrate Colorado by featuring a unique 38-star flag, which currently hangs in our Colorado Springs shop at the Broadmoor. In a similar spirit, we highlight the unique craftsmanship of the Vortic Watch Company, based out of Colorado.
Colorado was the 38th state to be admitted into the union on August 1 of 1876. The flag was not officially adopted until the regulated date for flag changes, which was July 4th of the following year. As 1 out of 27 official flag variants, the 38-star flag was officially flown from 1876-1890. Star patterns varied for the 38-star flag, ranging from a typical row pattern to a more elaborate medallion pattern, or even homemade variants. One of the most interesting and rare patterns of 38 stars is featured in The Great Republic at Colorado Springs shop, shown below (figure 1).
Figure 1: 38-Star Printed Flowers and Petals Design, Circa 1876
36 in.H x 27 in.W x 1.25 in.D
$14,500.00
This 38-star flag commemorates both the statehood of Colorado with its star count and the American Centennial celebration. This is a vertically oriented, printed flag and is entitled 38-Star Printed Flower and Petals Design. The stars on this flag are organized in a ‘flower and petals’ design. There are clusters of eight stars on the corners of the canton. At the center lies a large, five-pointed star with a smaller five-pointed star resting in the middle. This organization gives the impression of falling petals, surrounding a larger flower in the center. The flag is completed with thirteen alternating red and white stripes.
This flag is also a celebratory flag for the Centennial International Exposition. The Exposition was the first official World’s Fair event in the United States, and it was of massive scale. Held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the fair lasted for multiple months and exhibited various forms of new technologies. The entire celebration inspired the creation of celebratory flags to be used both for the fair and for the remembrance of this important anniversary. This specific 38-star flag was created during the excitement of this year in celebration of the event.
To further celebrate Colorado day, The Vortic Watch Company is highlighted from The Great Republic's new collection. Their watches are some of the most sought-out pieces among clients. The company is based out of Colorado’s own Fort Collins, which makes them an embodiment of the spirit of American-made goods. An example of a Vortic watch is shown below (figure 2).
Figure 2: Vortic Watch Company, American Artisan Series
Springfield 080-46 mm
$2,395.00
Vortic works to maintain a high standard of watchmaking with all-American made goods. They take American pocket watches from the early 20th century and transform them into a wearable item, by applying a custom-built 3D-printed casing and a complimentary leather band. This allows for the wearer to be transported back in time, to remember the history behind the piece and feel the impact of its age. The pocket watch’s original features are highlighted, with the original watch face, internal gears, and knob all essential to the aesthetic of the piece. From the Vortic Watch Company; “The domestically made pocket watches became heirlooms that were passed down through generations, signifying the deep roots of quality manufacturing in America that, while covered with dirt, still exist today.” Thus, this company pairs the old with the new, and combines the tradition of the watchmaking industry with the accessibility of today’s world. To celebrate Colorado Day, and the craftsmanship of American-made goods in general, give the company a look at one of our two gallery locations!
