First Flag of New Hampshire

**Author's Note**
While the historical events mentioned in his story are real, I have taken some fictional liberties to create the mystery within.**

**********
FEATURED in the MYSTERY Newsletter DTD: 08 DEC 2005
FEATURED in the MYSTERY Newsletter DTD: 01 AUG 2007
FEATURED in the MYSTERY Newsletter DTD: 07 APR 2009.


Alyssa ran across the high school campus. “Oh great,” she muttered. “The first day of American Studies and I’m running late.”

The Practical Arts building loomed before her. Stately. Majestic. It was three stories tall, and the main façade faced the Classical building. She paused, steeled her posture for courage, knowing American Studies was no picnic, and then marched up the steps.

Aly found her classroom on the second floor. Determination. Hard work. Dedication. A positive attitude. She’d need them all this year. With her chin up, she pushed the door and went inside.

The classroom was filled with people she didn’t know. Surveying her surroundings, she tried to pick the one seat that would make her invisible. Sadly, it was unavailable. The teachers had placed the desks in a horseshoe design so everyone could look at each other. The bell rang. She was forced to take the seat next to the history teacher’s desk.

American Studies was a two period class. Mr. Lipton taught American history and Mrs. Houston taught American literature.

Mr. Lipton stood up. “Hello, everyone, and welcome to American Studies. It’s going to be a demanding year.”

The students groaned. The classroom itself was old, with creaky floorboards and three big bay windows overlooking Central High School’s courtyard. A statue of President Lincoln sitting in a chair rested between the building she was in and the Classical building.

Mr. Lipton had everyone introduce themselves. Alyssa kept her bio brief.

“Hi, I’m Alyssa Rydell, I’m seventeen, I work part time for the phone company, and I run long distance on the girl’s track team.”

The intros went on for a good twenty minutes before Mr. Lipton spoke again.

“For your history project, I’m going to have you pair up.” Mr. Lipton pointed to Alyssa’s side of the room. “This side will pick their partners, and the partners will pick a mystery from American history which you’ll try to solve. Your work will be detailed in a journal you’ll both keep and turn in at the end of the semester for your grade.”

Alyssa didn’t know a soul in class. Mr. Lipton thrust a small basket in her face, and she drew out a piece of paper.

“Miguel De Soto.”

“Ah, that’s me.”

Alyssa looked across the room. Miguel was tall, with dark bangs that seemed to casually flop just past his eyebrows. The pensive look in his eyes told her he was just as nervous as she was. What did he say about himself?

“I’m Miguel De Soto. It’s my first year here. My dad was transferred from Miami, Florida…”

Mrs. Houston walked up to Miguel and placed a small basket in front of him. “Pick, Miguel.”

Alyssa watched him nervously reach inside and withdraw a piece of paper.

“The first flag of New Hampshire.”

Mr. Lipton smiled. “That’s a very challenging project.”

Miguel looked at Alyssa with little lost boy eyes. Alyssa straightened her shoulders. “What do you mean by challenging, Mr. Lipton?”

“History tells us John Wentworth, lieutenant governor of New Hampshire, commissioned the first flag in 1717. It only has the clipper ship on it. The wreath of laurel leaves and nine stars were added once New Hampshire became a state. The flag has only flown four times in the state’s history. What you’ve got to figure out is when was it flown, and why. Bonus points for where the flag is now.”

“We have to solve this mystery by Thanksgiving?” Miguel asked.

“Yes, that’s the end of the semester,” said Mr. Lipton.

Miguel looked at Alyssa with a hapless grin. Alyssa just smiled. This was definitely going to be a challenge, especially with a partner who just came from Florida and didn’t have a clue about New Hampshire history.

***********

Alyssa waited for Miguel to walk out of the classroom and fell in step next to him. They exited the building and began walking across the campus. Fresh cut grass tickled her nose. Pink and white roses were in bloom next to the Lincoln statute. Early September in New England was her favorite time of year, but now was not the time to be idle and appreciate it.

“Those are nice flowers,” said Miguel.

“They are,” agreed Aly. She paused to take time to look at them. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to show a little appreciation.

“Some project, huh?” he said.

“Yeah. Where do you think we should start?” she asked.

“I was going to ask you. I can tell you all about Florida and Cuba, but I don’t know anything about New Hampshire history.”

“You’re from Cuba?”

Miguel smiled. “No, my granddad was. My Dad works for a marketing firm. He just transferred up to Boston, and bought a house here in Manchester.”

“Ah…I see. Well, let’s go to the computer room and see what’s online. This period is my free time.”

“Mine, too.”

They walked over to the most recent building that was constructed, the James building, where the library was.
“This place is different. It’s not as hot here.”

“Wait until the leaves start to change. They turn all different colors. It’s nice. My parents take us up to the White Mountains just so we can see the foliage.”

Miguel wrinkled his dark brow. “That doesn’t sound like too much fun.”

Alyssa flashed him a tart smile. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, Miguel.”

He chuckled. “All right. Look, my dad bought me a car to get around in. Want to show me the foliage?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Not particularly. I want to solve this mystery and that’s all.”

Miguel sighed and raked a hand through his thick hair.

It wouldn’t hurt to share her appreciation of New England with Miguel either. He might actually come to like his new home. “I’m sorry, Miguel. I probably sounded harsh, huh?”

“A little.”

“Well, if you get a chance, get out for a little. New Hampshire’s different from Florida, but very pretty.”

“I’ll try,” he said, smiling at her.

They entered the library, and found a free computer. Alyssa did a Google search on their assignment, but to her surprise, she only found one link. It was a web page belonging to the New Hampshire Historical Society.

“In March 1945, right before V-E day was declared in Europe, the first flag of New Hampshire was found stored away in an old cabinet in the archives. The commander of the naval station ordered it to be flown next to the U.S. Flag. The next day a fleet of German U-Boats surrendered in Portsmouth. Visit the Portsmouth Naval Station museum for more information.”

Next to the small article was a picture of the flag. Mr. Lipton was right. It consisted of just a clipper ship on a blue background. Underneath it was written “Royal Colony of New Hampshire.”

Alyssa turned to face her partner. “Are you free this weekend, Mr. Hot Rod?”

“Maybe.”

“We have a date in Portsmouth.”

“You want me to drive you to Portsmouth?”

Alyssa grinned. “You bet. Hopefully we’ll get some clues about when the flag was flown before then.”

“You have a date, Alyssa.”

“Call me Aly.”

They shared a conspiratorial smile.

************

That Saturday, Alyssa directed Miguel to take state route 101 towards the seacoast, and Portsmouth. Rural New Hampshire was very different from urban Miami. Life seemed casual here, slower. The people were laid back and more relaxed. His partner was very focused on her schoolwork though.

As they drove along the countryside, she pointed out several pumpkin patches. He counted five scarecrows displayed alongside the road.

They stopped at the next patch, and Alyssa bought several pumpkins, explaining to him how her mother loved to put pumpkins around the front lawn of their house. Not only did she buy several pumpkins, but she got several decorative gourds as well. Miguel liked the scent of fresh hay. Being in the country was something different from Miami’s beaches. It was invigorating in a back-to-basics sort of way.

“So, how long is your mother going to leave the pumpkins out?” Miguel helped Aly carry the pumpkins back to the car. He had a 1989 Toyota Corolla. It wasn’t fancy, but Alyssa didn’t seem to mind.

“Until Halloween. Then mom makes her famous pumpkin pies.”

He opened the back door to his car. “What makes them famous?”

Alyssa winked at him. “She puts a nip of rum in them. Then she brings them back here to this patch and sells them at the farmer’s market.”

Miguel made sure the pumpkins were stuffed securely in the backseat, and they drove off. “I can’t wait to try a piece. I never had pumpkin pie before.”

“Get out!”

“I’m serious.” He glided back onto the highway. “Do you think they have pumpkins in Miami?”

“They don’t?”

“No.”

The remainder of the drive seemed to go fast, and before he knew it, they arrived at the front gate of the naval station in Portsmouth. The Marine MP at the gate signed them in, and gave them directions to the naval museum. Miguel was amazed at how clean the base was. The barracks were lined up in orderly little rows, and the view of the Atlantic Ocean was mesmerizing. In Miami the water was calmer, bluer, and had more of a soothing effect. The ocean off the coast here had personality. The waves crested with white foam, moving aggressively. The water was darker, more mysterious, hinting at secrets best kept under the surface.

Miguel parked in front of the museum. Students were free to enter, and they went directly to the World War II display. Aly found the old photographs. Several German U-boats were lined up just off the shore, surrounded by U.S. warships. Miguel hovered over her shoulder. History seemed to come alive for him in these old black and white photos.

“Can I help you?”

Alyssa whizzed around and they discovered the curator. She was an older woman with gray hair and sharp eyes.

“We’re doing some research on the first flag of New Hampshire,” Aly said.

“I’m Mrs. Whittle. I see you found the pictures when it was last flown.” She pointed to an old gray photograph. The flag casually fluttered in front of the naval headquarters building.

“Is it still here?” he asked.

“It was sent back to the state capital in Concord after the war.”

“Do you know if the flag was flown before then?” asked Alyssa.

Mrs. Whittle gestured for them to follow. “Not since the American Revolution. I’ll show you, dear.”

The curator opened a display case and withdrew an old, dusty, brown leather journal. After turning a few yellow aged pages, Mrs. Whittle handed the book to Alyssa.

“October 30th, 1789. The city is honored to have President George Washington visit. The Honorable Mayor, John Langdon, gave him a tour of the naval facilities and ordered me to fly the first flag of New Hampshire in his honor. It flew proudly for the president to see in the courtyard, and he saluted it before he left. – Jeffery Social, USN, Captain, Adjutant.”

Miguel smiled. “That makes twice the flag has flown.”

Alyssa dug into her pink backpack for their journal, explaining to Mrs. Whittle about the mystery they had to solve.

Mrs. Whittle clasped her hands in front of her. “There’s a display of historical flags in the state capital.”

“That’s Concord,” said Miguel, proudly. “See, I’ve been reading Mr. Lipton’s history assignments.”

“I’m impressed,” said Alyssa.

He went to the gift shop and bought several postcards for them to paste into their journal. As Alyssa copied the journal entry, Miguel realized something.

“Hey, Aly, it seems to me this flag has flown on very important state occasions.”

“I think you’re on to something, Miguel. Hopefully the historical display can prove us right.”

***************


Unfortunately, the weeks passed faster than Alyssa was expecting. It was now mid-October and this was their first chance they had to team up again.
Miguel drove his car up Interstate 93 to Concord. Alyssa couldn’t help but notice how he kept trying to steal peeks of the foliage. Majestic oaks and stately maples lined the highway, adorned in colors of gold, rust, purple, and orange. Their leaves clung to life on fragile stems, threatening to fall onto the highway at any moment.

Twenty minutes later they were in Concord. The state house was small, but stood out against the skyline with its golden roof and bright white paint. As soon as they entered, they found themselves in a grand rotunda, its ceiling painted with angels and cherubs, resting on white billowy clouds. A directory told them the flag gallery and state archives were on the second floor. Alyssa went to the archives, and Miguel went to the flag gallery.

She took one look at the filing cabinets and bookshelves in the archive, and her heart sank. She’d be here all night. After fifteen minutes, Miguel joined her.

“Hey, Aly, the flag isn’t here. They have a spot for it, but it’s missing.”

She frowned and paused in front of the towering bookcase. “Where do we start?”

“Well, what important event during the Revoluntary War would they fly the flag for?” Miguel asked.

“Most of the major battles were fought in Massachusetts and states further down the Atlantic coast.”

Miguel crossed his arms. “There were no major war battles in New Hampshire?”

“No.”

“New Hampshire is one of the original thirteen states, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”
“So when did it enter the war? They had to fly it then, right?”

Alyssa grinned. She flew down the aisles, her fingers dusting the spines of brown and black leather books until she found what she was
looking for.

Her partner seemed to watch with baited breath. She pulled out an old, leather bound book, flipping the pages, and smiled when she found what she was looking for.

“I stood in the town square and listened proudly as New Hampshire declared its independence from England. It is a little scary, but Massachusetts will follow. We are the first colony to be so bold, but the first flag flies high in the sky today with the governor’s approval. – Adam Bradford, Merchant, 1774.”

“You found it!”

“With your help, Miguel.”

“What now? How are we going to find the flag itself?” He helped her slide the pink backpack off her shoulders so she could pull out their journal.

“I have a hunch. Are you ready for another trip?”

“You name it.”

“Exeter, New Hampshire.”

“Why?”

“It used to be the state capital during colonial times. I see you haven’t read all of Mr. Lipton’s assignments.”

Miguel flashed her a teasing frown.


***********

The following weekend, Alyssa and Miguel went to Exeter, New Hampshire. It was a small town near the seacoast. At one point in the state’s history it was the capital, when John Wentworth was lieutenant governor of the colony. There was a historic museum near the governor’s house. Alyssa had a gut feeling she’d find the answers to the flag there.

Miguel followed her into the museum. Several young men and women were dressed in clothes of the time period and were acting as role players throughout the museum. It was made up like a home would be in colonial times. The kitchen had a small brick stove, and a black metal pot hung over several unburned logs. There was a sitting room with a mahogany desk that Wentworth wrote his letters at. Several letters hung on the wall in nearby glass cases. Miguel and Alyssa searched through them.

“Aly, I found it!” he exclaimed, pointing to a letter. “I flew the flag today for the first time. Since the proud colony of New Hampshire had no flag, I commissioned one to be knitted. Some say it is too plain, but I disagree. It flies free and strong over the town hall here in Exeter. Some have also debated the wisdom of putting a clipper ship on it, but Portsmouth is our major city and the colony is known for its shipbuilding resources. – John Wentworth, Lieutenant Governor of New Hampshire.”

Alyssa pulled out her journal and began to write. “Miguel, you were right. The flag has flown on very important occasions in New Hampshire history. But…why didn’t it fly all the time? Why isn’t it in the state’s flag gallery?”

Miguel shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ll tell you.”

Alyssa and Miguel spun around, finding themselves face to face with a man dressed in colonial clothes. He was tall, with thick brown hair trimmed around his face. He wore a white ruffled shirt underneath a brown leather vest. His pants were neatly tucked into his knee boots.

“Many did not care for the flag,” he began, his deep-timbred voice seemed to purr like a song in an old-fashioned accent. “It was too simple and they didn’t feel the emphasis should be on shipbuilding since most of the colony was rural and agricultural. After much dissention, Mr. Wentworth took the flag down and had it placed in a display case at the Exeter state building. Years passed. When it came time to declare war, New Hampshire needed a flag and the Lieutenant Governor at the time remembered this one. He withdrew it from its case and flew it on that fateful day the state announced its independence from England. More flags were then commissioned with the laurel leaves surrounding the clipper ship. These flags became popular and the first flag was taken to Portsmouth to be put in their naval museum. After the war, it was flown in honor of President Washington’s visit, where it then went back to the display case. It stayed locked away for years until a young adjutant found it during World War II. A day after it flew, German U-boats surrendered to us. The flag was taken to Concord for a while, but a descendent of Mr. Wentworth petitioned to have it returned to this museum and it was granted.”

“Aly, look.” Miguel glanced past the role player’s shoulder.

There, in the courtyard between the museum and John Wentworth’s colonial house, flew the first flag of New Hampshire. When Alyssa turned back around, the role player was gone, lost among the crowd. Slowly, her eyes gravitated back to the flag. It flapped in the breeze casually, almost waving ‘hello’ to her. Then she felt the gentle touch of Miguel’s hands on her shoulders. They exchanged sly smiles as they both watched the flag fly overhead. A swelling of pride welled up within her. Not only had she had solved a mystery, she thought that Miguel had come to appreciate New England as she did.


**********

Visit these other stories in the series:

#2 -

ID: 1565913   (Rated: ASR) Title: The First Map of Maine  Description: Aly is accused of stealing a map Samuel de Champlain made of the state of Maine. By: StephB

#3 -

ID: 1575456   (Rated: 13+) Title: Kipling's Vermont  Description: Miguel finds a rare copy of "The Jungle Book." By: StephB