The Lewes flag has no claim to fame except in its decorative and pride expression use in Lewes. It has never flown in any wars that have involved the town nor has it been carried into battle. Its fame is in the decoration and the pride in which it is flown by homowners and merchants in town. The flag was designed by Alan Keffer, a Lewes resident, in 1991 (copyrighted in 1993) with design input from many friends who wanted a town flag. Since its creation, it now proudly flies throughout the town and many surrounding areas. The design was adopted as the official Lewes, Delaware, City Flag on September 13, 2004.
The
seal, prominent in the center of the flag, is a version of one of the
official seals used in the town of Lewes, England, the namesake and sister
city for Lewes, Delaware.
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The original Lewes, Delaware settlers embarked from the Netherlands town of Hoorn (on the North sea in the North Holland Province). Before beginning the sea voyage to the New World they sailed South to the fishing town of Veere, in the Zeeland Province of The Netherlands. From there, they loaded necessary provisions and made the voyage to establish the town of Zwannendael (Valley of the Swans). The town was subsequently renamed Lewes, after the same named town in England.
The flag's background was adapted from the flag of the Zeeland Province. As its name implies (translation: Sealand), Zeeland shares Lewes's affinity for the sea. The blue and white undulating background represents the sea, which has always played an important role in Lewes, as it still does, even today.
If you are visiting Lewes, the Lewes Flag and related items are available for immediate purchase at the LEWES MERCHANTILE ANTIQUE GALLERY, located at 109 Second Street, downtown shopping area.
The other means of purchasing is from this Internet site, http://www.flags-over-lewes.com or call 302.645.2362 to discuss your needs.
ITEM
|
SIZES
|
PRICE
|
LEWES FLAG (great for boats or souvenirs) |
12" x 18"
|
$25
|
LEWES FLAG |
2' x 3'
|
$35
|
LEWES FLAG |
3' x 5'
|
$45
|
LEWES FLAG |
4' x 6'
|
$81.20
|
LEWES FLAG T-shirts* [Currently out of stock] |
Med, Lg., X-Lg
|
$15
ea
|
LEWES FLAG Sweatshirts** [Currently out of stock] |
Med,
Lg., X-Lg
|
$45
ea
|
LEWES FLAG Mugs*** [Currently out of stock] |
$8
ea
|
*Return to "HOME" and click on "Ordering" button for detailed purchase information.
In addition to seeing the Lewes Flag around town, it is also flown over many boats and visiting tall ships, such as the Jolly Rover and Kalmar Nyckel, that sail from Lewes and/or dock at the downtown pier on the canal. The Kalmar Nyckel is seen here docked during one of its visits in the summer of 1998.
Last Modified 10-01-10, Prices and availability subject to change without notice