Flag Day 1942

June 12, 2008

Claude Fielder

With the approach of Flay Day 2008 on Saturday, June 14, it is fun to look back at these old photos of Rector's Flag Day

parade in 1942, provided by Claude Fielder. The location of the parade participants (at Fourth and Main Streets looking

north) and many of the buildings are easily recognizable. At close examination, a sign visible behind the band says

"YMBC," which possibly was an acronym for Young Men's Business Club. Is there any other information available on

this wonderful photo?

Flag Day parade participants in 1942 line up on the north end of Main Street, as is still the custom for all Rector parades. Note in the background the tall church spire, which is almost certainly the location of the present Antioch Church. Sadly the spire is no longer there, but the historic building is still beautiful.
The streets of Rector were filled with cars and people for the town's celebration of Flag Day in 1942. In this photo provided by Claude Fielder, the crowd swelled around the park downtown and the old train depot at right. Note than most people were dressed up for the occasion, with many men attired in ties and hats. A banner hung on the bandstand reads, "I Am An American."