The Oneida Pioneer Museum opens for its season every year on Memorial Day weekend, and this Saturday found the building full of baked goods as well as the first batch of museum visitors for the year.  Of particular note were the family of Ben Call, who donated the large flag that is now hanging in the museum window.  

The flag is part and parcel of the museum’s theme for the year, which has been set with the national celebration of “America 250” in mind.  The museum has announced that it will focus this year’s window displays on themes of patriotism, military history, and Americana to add to what is hoped will be a wonderful celebration of the 250th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

According to museum materials, “This flag flew on a battleship during World War II.  Ben Call acquired the flag in 1946 when the owner came through Malad and contacted Ben, an officer in American Legion Post #65.  Ben, who was in the Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the South Pacific, purchased the flag and displayed it on every 4th of July by hanging it over his garage door.  When Ben died, his son Ben Call, Jr. inherited the flag.  In 2014, Ben and his sister Mary Ann Call Dalrymple donated the flag to the Oneida Pioneer Museum.”

A large group of the family were present to see the flag in its new window, and enjoy the bake sale in the bargain.

Members of the board are: Jean Thomas, Chair; Bill Lewis, Vice-Chair; Nicole Smith, Secretary; Julie Willie, Treasurer; Janice Vaughan, Historian; Dotty Evanson; Joan Hawkins; Marvin Hess; Lorna Brignone; David Gilgen; Sharon Harris; Sarah Robbins; Hailey Willie; Paige Tavoian, ex officio.