July 3, 2020 by Laura Winters
Hingham has many traditions but the 4th of July has always been a special day in the 02043. The fireworks, pancake breakfast, road race and parade may be taking a hiatus this year, but patriotism has not been cancelled.
This is especially clear as you drive past 409 Main Street, affectionately known as the "flag house" to many in town.
The tradition began in 1998 when homeowner Edie Earle, who passed away last year at the age of 96, decided to cover the front of her home with an oversized American flag. Her son Gerry Earle worked for Eagle Flag at the time and has been tasked with affixing it to the house for each of the 22 years.
"It is easier to hang than most people think as it hangs off the wooden gutter with hooks that I devised," Earle shared with the Anchor. "I will admit that whoever hangs it in the future should not have a fear of heights as you have to walk the edge of the roof to adjust the flags tension and centering on the house."
Edie was a history teacher at Derby Academy. According to her niece, Margaret Curtis, "she believed in the flag as a symbol of freedom and respect. She loved the Fourth of July because it allowed her to celebrate the birth of the United States." Curtis also shared that the flag helped shade the house in the July heat.
Many runners will remember Edie cheering them on in the 4th of July road race by ringing a cowbell. "She really enjoyed the excitement around the fourth," according to Curtis.
The flag, though large, is not a custom size. The standard sized 20 x 38 foot polyester flag was chosen because polyester holds its color longer than nylon and drapes better. According to the owners, polyester also allowed the family to see through it from inside the home.
The house is now for sale, but Gerry hopes that the tradition will live on with the new owners.
"It has felt strange to be hanging it without my mother watching from below as she always feared that I would fall," Gerry shared with the Anchor. "She loved hearing the cars honk as it went up and people knocking on the door asking permission to take pictures."
Gerry continues, "it feels good to be part of a town institution."
After raising the flag for the past several decades It is with great joy that the new owners of 409 Main St. will continue the tradition of putting up the flag for the Independence Day holiday. After my mothers passing I was concerned that whoever purchased her home would not be interested in continuing the tradition. It is with great pleasure that so many people were concerned about the flag.
I let it be known that whoever purchased the house would continue then I would include the flag with the house.
Kudo’s to new owner Mark Lebel and family. I hope they have as much fun and enjoyment as my mother did over the years.