If you’ve played a round of golf at Olde Homestead over the past month or so, you’ve noticed the red windsocks that have replaced the traditional flags on the pins. To my knowledge, we’re the only course in the state of Pennsylvania that has the decorative windsocks. Or, for that matter, maybe even the entire country.
The emblem on the windsocks is the Pennsylvania German Flag.
A flag is an object of symbolism, usually displayed as a reminder of the deeds, the accomplishments and contributions of a nation by its people. The Pennsylvania German flag is such a symbol. It represents an ethnic group whose accomplishments and contributions have played a loyal and honorable role in the development and the success of our great state and nation.
Colors – It is not just coincidence that the Pennsylvania German flag uses the red, white and blue colors. They are to remind one that, in spite of our ethnic backgrounds, we are first of all and foremost loyal and devoted Americans.
Sailing Ship Concord – commemorates the journey from Krefeld to Germantown in 1683, the start of a great migration of German speaking people in search of greater religious freedom and better social and economic conditions in a new area of the world.
Keystone – the symbol of Pennsylvania, the principal and permanent settlement for the majority of migrants.
Church – indicative of the devoutness of the Pennsylvania Germans whose religious convictions were a strong motivating force in their daily lives.
Plow – symbolizes probably the most predominant of the Pennsylvania German professions, the farmer. The plow further symbolizes the Pennsylvania German farm as a source of food for state and nation.
Heart and Tulip – represents the great skills and contributions of the Pennsylvania Germans in the field of arts and crafts.
Conestoga Wagon – symbolizes the Pennsylvania German’s contribution to the need for transportation. The “Ship of Inland Commerce,” as it became known, played a very important role in the Revolutionary War under the guidance of Pennsylvania German teamsters. It also played a tremendous role in the westward expansion of our nation.
Dialect Expression – “Dear God in Heaven, Leave Us Germans What We Are,” implying “Let us keep our traditional ways.” This dialect expression symbolizes the main instrument of communication used by the Pennsylvania Germans in their everyday social and economic associations.
The next time you visit Olde Homestead Golf Club, tell us what you think about our new windsocks!
Tags: Olde Homestead Golf Club, Olde Homestead Golf Club Windsocks, Pennsylvania Dutch Flag
July 29, 2010 at 12:01 am |
Played the course tuesday July 27th the windsockets were great they helped to locate the green from blind spots and showed how the wind was blowing.
July 29, 2010 at 4:12 am |
Thanks for the feedback! So far, everyone seems to like them.
January 2, 2011 at 4:23 pm |
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