Saginaw’s Surprising Link to the 50-Star American Flag (and a Handyman Who Puts Family First)
In this Sidewalk Talks episode, Phil chats with Ryan Schramm, owner of Schramm's Services, a handyman business that focuses on painting but also tackles plumbing, electrical, and general contracting. Our conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ryan reveals his uncle, Saginaw-native Bob Heft, designed the 50-star U.S. flag as a high school project in 1958. At the time, there were only 48 states, but Bob had a hunch that two more states would be added and in 1959, Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th states.
Bob created the 50-star flag by cutting up a 48-star flag his parents had received as a wedding present, and the design was later selected by President Eisenhower to serve as the United State's 50-star flag.
Also notable considering the date: when Bob signed flags, he only signed them at Ground Zero.
Ryan talks to us about his uncle, shows us memorabilia and more in this can't-miss episode!
02:09 From Painting to Handyman
03:46 Family First Business
05:58 Dad Life Priorities
09:34 Uncle Behind the Flag
10:33 How the Flag Was Chosen
15:16 What the Legacy Means
17:06 Showing the Memorabilia
22:02 Find Schramm Services
22:37 Final Thanks and Wrap