Two Remarkable Ribbons
Terry and Linda McKinch have very generously donated to Save the Flags two ribbons associated with the Governor Henry Crapo Post No. 145 of the Grand Army of the Republic. Post No. 145 was headquartered in Flint, Michigan and operated from 1883-1937. The modern descendant organization of the Post is the Governor Crapo Camp # 145 of the Sons of Union Veterans, under the command of Terrance McKinch.
As can be seen by the attached photographs, the ribbons are in absolutely pristine condition. The ribbons will be displayed with the Governor Crapo Post No.145 flag that was likewise donated to Save the Flags in 2021 by long time Save the Flags supporter, Sherry Telling.
We would like to thank Terry and Linda for their kindness in donating these important artifacts.
Four Orphan Flags Get Adopted
Save the Flags would like to thank Joel and Sue Bauder for their generous support and adoption of a previously unadopted flag (SC-68-90) carried by the 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. The adoption honors five of Joel’s ancestors - Michael Roush, brothers James and William Van Schoten, Nathan Lewis, and Elisha Whittaker. Our thanks to the Bauders for their support of Save the Flags and for the service and sacrifice of their numerous ancestors.
Additionally, Professor Roger Rosentreter of Michigan State University adopted three flags from the Capitol battle flag collection in December, 2025. Dr. Rosentreter adopted both the national (SC-103-90) and the regimental (SC-113-90) flags carried by the 29th Michigan Infantry Regiment, as well as a flag of the 27th Infantry (SC-101-90), fulfilling his desire that his donation honor flags that had not been previously adopted and flags that needed to be appropriately honored. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Rosentreter for his generosity and great support and for garnering needed attention to these flags and the regiments that carried them.
Keith & Jill Chapman Flag Adoption
On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Keith and Jill Chapman adopted a flag carried by the Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. The beautifully embroidered and sequined flag (SC-10-90) was presented to the regiment upon its formation in the spring of 1861. The Fourth saw extensive service during the war, including deadly action in the Wheatfield of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. Their presentation flag included the motto; “THE LADIES OF ADRIAN TO THE 4TH REGIMENT Defend it”.
The adoption took place as a part of a meeting of the Civil War Round Table of Southwest Michigan and included a viewing of the new film The Battle Flags of Michigan. Keith is the long serving President of the round table, and they have likewise adopted three other flags in our collection.
Thank you to the Chapmans and the Civil War Round Table of Southwest Michigan for the great and continued support.
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Karla Christenson Adopts a Flag
On December 13, 2025, Karla Christenson adopted a flag of the Tenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. (SC-32-90) This second adoption honors her dear friend and significant other, Larry Kolb and his great, great grandfather Hiram E. Barrett who fought with Company G of the Tenth. Hiram enlisted from New Haven in Lenox Township, Michigan at the regiment’s formation, leaving his wife and seven children and died of disease on August 11, 1862, at Farmington, Mississippi. He is buried at the National Cemetery in Corinth, Mississippi.
The Young Marines Visit the Flags
Save the Flags was honored by a visit to Lansing from The Young Marines of Lapeer County on Thursday, January 22, 2026. A tour of the State Capitol was followed by a visit to see the battle flag collection.
Thank you to the staff of Representative Phil Green for arranging the visit and thank you to the Young Marines and their families for their interest and support.
Flag Conservation Updates
Work continues on the conservation of the national flag of the 18th Michigan Civil War Infantry Regiment. Learn about the process to encapsulate the delicate silk fibers of the flag, as well as the humidification process to flatten and clean the flag, with Save the Flags Conservation Specialists May Oyler and Cambray Baylis!
