From the Fairhaven Historical Commission Facebook Page
We understand that there is some incorrect information regarding the Fort Phoenix flagpole swirling around town. We welcome everyone with an interest in Fairhaven, its history, and our historic sites to like and follow our page to ensure they are receiving facts and not rumors or misinformation.
The current flag pole was a generous donation from one of the town’s leading benefactors, and it has served its purpose well for many years. As with all things, it has finally begun to show the tests of time, and is in need of replacement.
Thanks to the generous donations of Rick & Monica Martin, who are paying for the new pole completely themselves, and the donations of Nate Bekemeier, Alyssa Botelho, and Michael Kelly, whose funds will go toward new lighting and flags, the new pole should be in place by Memorial Day.
Not one dollar is coming from the taxpayers of Fairhaven or the State of Massachusetts. Each of the people mentioned above are volunteers for the Fairhaven Historical Commission or, in the case of Ms. Botelho, the staff liaison to the commission.
Why wasn’t it done in time for Patriot’s Day? Well, flags of this type need to be special ordered, a crew has to be hired for removal of the current flag, and the ground needs to be soft enough for digging but solid enough to support the heavy trucks that will need to drive across the lawn. These aren’t “excuses or finger-pointing,” these are simply facts of supply chains and weather.
As for the lack of wheels on the field guns, these have always been removed for the winter months to protect them from damage. They are placed on the carriages from Memorial Day to Veteran’s Day every year.
Finally, we have an amazing young man who has volunteered to repaint the carriages of the main Civil War era cannons as part of his service to attain Eagle Scout.
As always, the current members of the Fairhaven Historical Commission are dedicated to the Town of Fairhaven, and volunteer their time and often their personal funds to support these local treasures.
All we ask in return is that you ensure you have the facts before responding to errors or misinformation, which serves no one’s best interests.
Please also note that the flag pole that will be installed at the Fort is an Apollo Series severe weather pole made in New Hampshire, and is being fitted and installed by Bete-Fleming of Mattapoisett.
The wind-resistant flags are going to be purchased from Brewer Banner Design of New Bedford, by Mr. Kelly. We always try to support local businesses where we can.
And once again, all of this is being donated by members of the Historical Commission at their own personal expense. Not because they have to, but because they love this town and put actions before words. As always, we thank you for helping to share facts rather than speculation.
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