Episode #43
Saginaw’s Surprising Link to the American Flag
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! 00:00 Mic Check Banter 00:53 Meet Ryan Schramm 02:09 From Painting to Handyman 03:46 Family First Business 04:42 Foster Care Roots 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 20:33 Flag Raising Honor 22:02 Find Schramm Services 22:37 Final Thanks and Wrap
