Have you noticed all of the people wearing Buffalo t-shirts these days? They are everywhere. Now that there is a growing momentum of pride in this city, people want to wear the city on their sleeves. Aside from getting a Buffalo tattoo, and wearing Buffalo apparel, waving a city flag is also a great way to make a proud statement.
It was way back in 2006 that Ethan Cox (Community Beer Works) and some other Buffalovers decided that it was time to bring this city’s municipal flag back into play. There were only a handful flying throughout the city, and we figured that it would be fun to utilize a crowdfunding site (brand new concept at that point in time) to rally people to buy the flags. The idea worked, and before we knew it we were hosting a get-together for everyone who participated, so that they could collect their flags.
The 1924 design from architect Louis Greenstein was ahead of its time. It displays the importance of the harbor, gives a nod to New York being one of the original 13 colonies, and reminds everyone that we were one of the first cities in the world with widespread electricity.
Fast forward a decade later, and there are numerous flags flying proudly throughout the city, although in 2014 the question was raised, “Why are so many downtown buildings sitting on empty flagpoles rather than flying a Buffalo flag?” While the city’s residents are doing a fine job of displaying their collective pride of Buffalo, there are still numerous opportunities to increase the overall presence of the flag. That’s why I wanted to point out that the 3’x5′ flag is still for sale at Ace Flag for $45.99 (see here).
Hopefully we see another wave of flag purchases in the near future. There’s nothing better than walking down a street and spotting a Buffalo flag flapping in the wind.