Rare 1897 flag found after Milwaukee school fire

[May 29, 2009]  MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A recent fire in a Milwaukee public school that dates back to 1894 resulted in an unusual find -- an American flag left in an unused attic area for more than 100 years.

District officials said the flag is from 1897 and has just 45 stars, representing the number of states at that time.

They said the flag has signs of wear, including some tears, and is believed to have been in the attic for 112 years.

The flag was found after lightning set fire to the steeple of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. K-8 School. The school was formerly known as the Victor L. Berger School in honor of a Socialist from Milwaukee who served in Congress in the early 1900s.

The school is planning to restore and display the flag.

[Associated Press]

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