Downtown American Flags

The Flag Fund is a fund that is set up to purchase American Flags for the Village of Barnesville. The American Flags are displayed each year throughout the downtown area. They are hung in the spring from the Victorian style street light posts to celebrate the true American Pride in Barnesville. The hanging of American Flags has become a Barnesville tradition.

The Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce remembers Irene Cowgill for her wonderful success with the Flag Fund. It is no wonder everyone in town called her the “Flag Lady.” Irene started the Flag project back in 1984 with her husband Bill. The two of them had been traveling and saw a town with flags on all the poles. She told her husband that Barnesville would look great like that. When they came back to town, they mentioned their idea to others. Many told her it couldn’t be done. She responded, “Well you don’t know until you try.” It became something that she and her husband enjoyed doing together. The project started with a donation of 36 flags from Doug Applegate’s office and the rest is Barnesville history. The town is now up to 92 flags flying proud. The Chamber of Commerce was the first to donate money towards her passion. From this first donation, funds have been continually donated throughout the years to keep the flags flying. Irene use to recognize how people were always willing to contribute to the fund and project. She was always so appreciative of every single penny donated toward the fund. It seemed just about everyone in town has contributed at one time or another. It has truly been a community project funded by the members of the community. We recognize the late Irene for everything she has done for Barnesville. Can’t you just hear her say “Be sure to make a donation!”?

Donations are always being accepted for this fund. You can send your donations to:

Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Flag Fund
130 West Main Street
Barnesville, Ohio 43713

If you have any questions please call the Chamber office at: (740) 425-4300