Thanks to Mary Lou Hoey-Bruess for sending this clipping to me that her mother saved concerning an important piece of Lawler history. (Notes in parenthesis are mine.) The writer’s name was not given in the article, but I’m thankful that he/she wrote it. (Bill Sheridan):
Historic Flag on display at Lawler Library
There is an American flag, first flown in Lawler in 1905, on display at the Lawler Library. It was donated by the Martin family and flew for years in front of the long-time popular Martin’s Cafe.
With the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, it might be difficult to focus on fireworks, flags, and the 4th of July. A correlation between the winter and summer months, however, can be made with a visit to the Lawler Public Library. During the holidays, stop by and see it.
Two years ago (1994) this flag, which was first flown on Independence Day 1905, was donated by the Vincent (Dint) Martin family. From 1905 it flew proudly in front of Martin’s Cafe (now known at Hole in the Wall) in downtown Lawler on special occasions; and full-time during WWI and up to and including May 1945 when the Germans surrendered, ending WWII. The flag was never used any place except in front of this family-owned restaurant known as Martin’s Cafe, “The Home of Hospitality.”
In addition to the Martin hospitality, Dint and his father P.J. were history buffs and loyal to their country in war and peace. Independence Day 1905 was a very appropriate time for the initial raising of the flag.
This piece of Lawler history will be well preserved in a special case purchased by the Lawler Library Board of Trustees. The town is over 125-years-old, and with three devastating fires in its history, memorabilia from the city’s past has literally gone up in smoke. This 91-year-old flag (in 1996) will remain at the library along with scrapbooks and books from interested donors sharing information about the community built along the Crane Creek in 1869 and incorporated in 1871.
Reflections of the past year or years are reminiscent with the dawning of a new year. As the blustery winter of 1996-1997 takes hold, once can only visualize the sultry 4th of July in 1905, when the Martins walked out of their cafe with flag in hand and raised ‘Old Glory’ for the first time. This flag represents many years, many seasons, and many people who passed by the Red, White, and Blue which proudly flew in front of Martin’s Cafe. Librarian Jane Lynch (in 1996/ Cathy Humpal in 2012) invites everyone to stop at the library to view the flag display and spend some time browsing through the books and videos at your disposal.