Photo Credit: Trinity Tablet, June 24-28, 1894

Trinity College's Flag Day was a celebration that took place June 27, 1894 to raise the national colors over the College on a brand-new flagpole.

In 1893, alumni asked of the trustees and obtained leave “to erect and maintain upon the campus a flag-staff upon which should be displayed the national colors.” ¹⁾

On June 27, 1894, hundreds of alumni, government officials and notables including Senator Joseph B. Hawley and former mayor John Root, members of the Grand Army of the Republic, and Connecticut military companies including the Governor's Guards, The Putnam Phalanx, and Connecticut National Guard gathered on the main quad before the new flag pole, which was installed in front of Northam Towers. The first Flag Day ceremonies included parade, prayers, songs, poetry and speeches by Trinity alumni including Hon. William Hamersley, LL. D., Class of 1858 and Col. W. S. Cogswell, M. A., Class of 1861, who relayed the story of Trinity's first flagpole during the Civil War. The local Grand Army presented the colors to Trinity.

Northam Towers were almost concealed by draped flags and bunting, and immediately before them rose the chorus stand, similarly decorated, while high above all, in the center of the campus, towered the graceful staff. ²⁾

The flagpole, which was made of wood, stood until 1960, when President Jacobs reported that it “was, due to decay, in a dangerous condition.” ³⁾ The base, painted green, is in the College Archives. A new, aluminum flagpole was erected in front (south) of the new Downes Memorial Clock Tower in 1961.

Trinity College Bulletin (1959-1960) Report of the President, p. 24.

Trinity Ivy, 1896.

Trinity Tablet, June 24-28, 1894.