The Ohio Historical Society reported in their July 1998 newsletter that approximately 500 Ohio Battleflags used in the Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II are in immediate need of preservation.
The 24th Ohio Infantry Regiment's two surviving battleflags are stored at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus. The original size of the flags are six feet by six feet, six inches, making them very difficult to handle. Also, after nearly 140 years of aging and drying, the flags' silk material has become extremely brittle.
During the Civil War centennial, the Ohio Adjutant General, in an attempt to stabilize the silk fiber, painted a "plastic-like substance called polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA," on the flags. At the time, PVA was thought to be a "state-of-the-art" treatment to stiffen and preserve the aging banners.
Over time, however, the polyvinyl alcohol treatment has proven to deteriorate faster than the silk cloth it was supposed to preserve! Now, PVA is causing an alarmingly accelerated breakdown of the silk fibers.
The Ohio Historical Society needs funds to soak the flags in de-ionized water to remove as much PVA as is possible, save the hand-painted lettering, and rehydrate the dried silk fibers. The process requires slow blotting and pressing between glass plates. At the same time, modern high quality photographs would be made of the flags, something which is not now possible. The proposed treatment varies from $5000 to $12,000 for one flag.
I would be very grateful for any financial assistance you could provide. In my opinion, this project is vital, for it will preserve the common heritage of the descendants of all 24th OVI veterans. Here is your chance to rally to the defense of our common history. Our financial sacrifice NOW will preserve the Civil War flags of our common ancestors.
If you can help, please endorse your contribution to:
Your pledge will be earmarked specifically for the 24th O.V.I. flags. Thank you for your pledge that these flags shall be preserved for future generations to see. John Rutherford
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