One of the most American stories in the mythology of the nation happened right at this spot, the "Betsy Ross House" in the Old City area of Philadelphia. While the reason she became as famous as she is now is because of the mythology around the creation of the American Flag, perhaps the most incredible aspect of how she got into that position in the first place is her story of being a pioneer in American entrepreneurship, independent spirit, skilled artisanship, and in being a female owner of a flourishing business in a time in which women did not often lead business in the colonies and in the early years of our country. She was twice left a widower when her first two husbands had been killed in the revolution. Her first husband, John Ross, died after two years of marriage. Her second marriage to Joseph Ashburn ended in tragedy as well, with him getting captured on the high seas by the British and left to die their prisons. John Claypoole, the man who brought to news of Joseph's death, ended up marrying her and their union would last 30 years. She managed to lead her Philadelphia upholstery business through the Revolution and all of this upheaval in her personal life for many decades.
While the origins of the story of her actually creating the flag are considered false or unverifiable by most historians, since first mentions of this did not happen until her grandkids made the claim in 1870, her prowess as an early American entrepreneur are impressive no matter what. Even if she did not make or design the first American Flag, we definitely do know that her seamstress skills were put to use to make American Flags during the War of 1812.
The "Betsy Ross House" is a stunning piece of colonial architecture, but it is also believed that the actual Betsy Ross House was not saved, but rather a house in the plot adjacent to it, which was actually torn down for fire protection of this house, was where she actually lived. Over the holidays, the plot where it is believed her house was actually located is home to a beautiful holiday display. In the spring and summer months, the plot is home to a garden and the transplanted burial site of Betsy Ross.
We have released our 2022 Pennsylvania Calendar!
It features views of:
-Independence Hall in Philadelphia
-Sunrise in Downtown Pittsburgh
-Knoebels Amusement Resort
-Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
-Millersburg Ferry across the Susquehanna River
-Tank Hollow Overlook above the Lehigh Gorge in the Poconos
-The Reading Pagoda
-Kennywood Park
-Mercer's Mill Covered Bridge in Chester and Lancaster Counties
-Academia-Pomeroy Covered Bridge in Juniata County
-Ohiopyle State Park
-A holiday scene in Pittsburgh
The calendars open up to be 17 inches tall by 11 inches wide (8.5 by 11 pages)
It makes for a great gift for someone or for yourself. It is available for purchase through the PayPal dropdown menus at the top of the page and the bottom of this article.
Thanks for your ongoing support over the years!
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