THE FIVE-POINT STAR
(BETSY ROSS)
Story by Amy Butcher
Links by Jessica Angelone
"Ouch!" Betsy dropped the needle and stuck her finger in her mouth to stop the bleeding. She was hurrying to get the stars sewn on the flag and had stabbed herself with a needle four times now. Tears swelled up in her eyes as she looked at her fingers. The needle did not hurt enough to make her cry, but memories did. She was remembering one night about a year ago.
It was June and she was busy sewing a wedding dress for her best friend. The wedding was in two days and Betsy had fallen behind in her sewing. Now - with just 48 hours to go - Betsy had to finish the dress! She was tired and her hands hurt. The more she hurried, the slower her worked seemed. She sighed as she stabbed her thumb, for the third time, with the needle. "Ohhhh," she wailed, afraid to soil the dress with her bleeding thumb. Her husband, John, rushed to her side. "Honey", he began, "You just can't use your hand for a pin cushion." He gave her a hug and she started to laugh. What would she do without John's sense of humor?
That was just six months before John left her to run their upholstery business while he joined the Pennsylvania militia. She managed their business well so he would be pleased when he returned. But John never came back to run the business. In January he was mortally wounded in an explosion.
It had been five months since John died, and she still missed him. Business had been slow and she was often bored. She was so thankful for the three men that surprised her with business just three days before.
Three days ago, three men came to call on Betsy. She recognized only two of them, but extended a welcome to all three. George Washington, the head of the Continental Army, had been a long-time friend of Betsy's. They went to church together. George Ross, or Uncle George as she called him, was the uncle of her late husband.
George Washington warmly shook Betsy's hand. "I believe you already know George here", he said as he pointed at George Ross. Ross shook her hand, "It's good to see you Betsy". Washington continued, "And this fellow is Robert Morris." Betsy knew that name! He was the wealthiest citizen in the colonies! She shook his hand, "It's an honor to have you gentlemen in my home."
Not ones to waste time, they quickly got down to business. The Continental Army needed a new flag that declared the independence of the colonies from Britain. George Washington showed Betsy a rough design of a flag that included a six-point star. "Mind if I suggest something?" Betsy asked. The men nodded and she demonstrated how to cut a five point star with a single snip of the scissors. The men were immediately impressed and entrusted Betsy with the making of their flag.
They left with a promise to return in a week. Betsy thanked them profusely for the business and hurried back inside to get to work. She gathered her material and began to measure, cut and sew. She worked long into the night and the nights that followed. With only one night left to work, the flag was taking shape. She admitted to herself that it was beautiful!
She finished it early the next morning. The June sun was warm as she folded the flag. It had thirteen white stars sewn on blue, and thirteen stripes, alternate red and white.
George Washington came to pick it up later that afternoon. He praised her over and over again for her marvelous work. Betsy was so proud. "This flag", he told Betsy, "is the symbol for our united colonies. All of history will remember you for making this flag." Betsy just smiled. John would be so pleased. He taught her how to make those five-point stars.
WORKSHEET
1. What was Betsy sad about?
2. What made Betsy happy?
3. Why did Betsy suggest a five-point star instead of the six- point star?
4. Who were the three men that came to Betsy's home?
5. What did you learn, from the story, about these three men?
6. Do you think John would have been proud of Betsy? Why or Why not?
Amy Butcher
The Five-Point Star (Betsy Ross)
Outline:
I. Betsy is sewing.
A. She stabs her finger with the needle.
B. She remembers her deceased husband, John.
II. Betsy is asked to sew the flag.
A. Three men come to ask her.
B. Betsy suggests the five-point star.
C. Betsy sews the flag.
Suggested Props:
Sewing items - i.e. needle; flag to pretend sew; scissors and paper to cut five-point star
Answers to Questions:
- Betsy is sad about her husband that died. She misses him.
- Betsy is happy to have business. She is happy to sew the flag.
- The five-point star can be cut out with one snip. It is easier.
- George Washington, George Ross and Robert Morris came to ask Betsy to sew the flag.
- Betsy knew George Washington from church. George Ross is her husband's uncle. Robert Morris is the wealthiest man in the colonies.
- Yes. John taught Betsy how to make the star. He would have been proud to see her make the first flag.
Sources:
Internet:
http://www.libertynet.org/iha/betsy/flaglife.html