Three More Remarkable Ribbons
You may remember that February saw the donation of two incredible ribbons from the Governor Henry Crapo Post No. 145 of the Grand Army of the Republic to the Save the Flags collection from Terry and Linda McKinch. Well, the fun continued into March with the donation of three Civil War-related ribbons from Kenneth and Carol Baker.
The Bakers donated three historic ribbons owned by Kenneth’s ancestor Corporal Walter C. Wood. Walter saw service during the Civil War with the 6th Michigan Infantry/Heavy Artillery Regiment and was wounded in action in June 1863. Post-war, Walter was a proud member of the Grand Army of the Republic Eaton Post # 34 of Otsego, Michigan. Post #34 was named after Colonel Willard Eaton of Otsego who was killed in action on March 19, 1865, leading the 13th Michigan Infantry Regiment at the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina.
The Bakers also donated Walter’s reunion ribbons worn by him at the 10th annual reunion of the Soldiers and Sailors Association of Southwest Michigan held in Allegan in 1888. Included in the donated items was a book written by Kenneth documenting Walter Wood’s family and 6th Michigan history.
Save the Flags would like to thank Kenneth and Carol Baker for their recent donation of several important artifacts.
A Flag with a Unique Story
Bruce and Terri Miller recently adopted the flag of the Third Brigade, First Division, 5th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, flag SC-227-90. Our sincere thanks to them for their great support. This marks only the second time that a designating flag in the Michigan Capitol Battle Flag collection has been adopted.
The flag being adopted has a very unique history. After coming into the state’s possession (date of accession unrecorded) the flag was mistakenly returned to the state of Kentucky in September of 1941. Well intentioned, although misguided, Michigan officials believed it to be a Kentucky confederate hospital flag and it was delivered to Kentucky officials as a part of the return of Confederate flags that had been captured by Michigan troops during the Civil War. Rare color film of a part of the ceremony that took place on the Michigan State Capitol steps may be seen here.
The official program for this event, including the lunch menu that was served at the Hotel Olds, may be viewed here. In 1988 (see attached article from Michigan History Magazine) Kentucky officials realized the mistake and very graciously returned the flag to Michigan. It is believed that the flag originally made its way into the Michigan collection through a member of the 16th Michigan (a member regiment of the Brigade) or possibly through Colonel Thomas Stockton who commanded the Brigade. We are hoping that more research will help us learn more about this very unique flag.
The John W. Hunter Questers
Save the Flags hosted the John W. Hunter Questers Chapter for a Capitol tour and a visit to the flag storage unit on March 18, 2026. The Hunter Questers are steadfast supporters of the flag conservation project, including a flag adoption in 2001 of the First Michigan Cavalry and their most recent support (featured in the photo). Individual Quester members and Chapters across the state and the nation have become dear friends of Save the Flags and we are in their debt for their continued and dedicated support.
Save the Flags on the Road!
Save the Flags was honored to speak at the Almont Historical Society on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Our thanks to Lynn Nolin for arranging the talk and for the kind support of the community of Almont, Michigan. Their lovely museum is housed in a beautiful 1848 structure on main street. Below, Almont Historical Society members present a donation to Save the Flags Director Matt VanAcker after enjoying a presentation.
On Monday, March 16, 2026 Save the Flags presented a talk at the Livonia Historical Society at the wonderful Green Meade Historical Village. Our thanks to the members as well for their kind invitation and their support of Save the Flags.
In conjunction with a flag talk at the Livonia Historical Society, Save the Flags was proud to honor Mr. Alan Helmkamp for his support of the project and his adoption of a flag carried by the 24th Michigan Infantry Regiment at the battle of Gettysburg. Our sincere thanks and gratitude to Mr. Helmkamp for his support.
