A Flag Raising to Celebrate the Liberties Veterans

In early August, 1898, Ed Conroy, who was born in the Liberties, organized a celebration commemorating the Civil War veterans of the Northern Liberties at his home at the far west end of North Street and Chestnut (Switchback Avenue).   The Spanish American War was at its height during this time and patriotism was high in Mauch Chunk.   Flag raising were taking place seeming every day all over town, each group trying to put a flag pole up that was taller than their neighbors.   Some even felled large trees, turning them into flagpoles in their front yards.   All of this took place before and after the flying of the largest flag ever made during the July 4th celebration in Mauch Chunk that year.

This particular event seems to have been well attended and included a number of previous Liberties residents.  Isaac McLean, a relative of Ed Conroy's, had lived in the Liberties as well and served in the 81st PA Vol Inf, Co. G, enlisting as a private and ending the war as a sargeant.   Isaac lived two doors down from Ed Conroy.  Isaac's brother, Douglas McLean, another Liberties vet who served in the 28th PA Vol Inf as a lieutenant was also the police chief for Mauch Chunk for many years.

These two articles describe preparations for the flag raising and the celebration itself.

From the July 29, 1898 issue of the Mauch Chunk Coal Gazette

From the Mauch Chunk Coal Gazette, August 9, 1898