INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis flag store owner called the man who designed the city's banner to thank him for his creativity. That phone call led to a special delivery of Indianapolis history.
Michael Green of Flags For Good received the original draft of the Indianapolis city flag from its designer, Roger Gohl.
"When he gave it to me, he wrote a note that says, 'It's your turn to take care of it now, and I'm pleased that it will be yours. Handle with care.'" Green said. "I would text Roger pictures of the Indy flag as I saw it around the city, just to show him his legacy."
Gohl designed Indianapolis' flag in 1962 while studying at the Herron School of Art & Design. The design on blue features a red circle with a white star symbolizing Monument Circle as well as white horizontal and vertical lines reminiscent of Market and Meridian Streets.
He opened up to Green about his history with the flag during several months of phone calls.
"I wasn't participating in the flag competition because I wanted to design a flag," Gohl said in his conversations with Green. "It was an assignment, and I was trying to get an A in that class."
Gohl passed away in 2024. Green is working on a documentary about the flag featuring their phone conversations and hopes to exhibit the original Indianapolis flag at some point.
"I wish it had a more public place to live," Green said. "Hopefully, we're working on that."
Although the original draft is in safekeeping, the city flag design can be seen on municipal vehicles, Indianapolis Indians uniforms, and city landmarks such as Bicentennial Unity Plaza.
"Everyone who has been to Indy or lives here understands it immediately," Green said. "You have the circle since we are the Circle City. Indianapolis has adopted this flag as a civic symbol."
-
Hamilton Southeastern Intermediates-Junior High holding eLearning Day Friday
A school in Fishers is moving to an e-learning day on Friday due to a spike in absences related to illness.
Plainfield middle school earns ESPN honor for inclusive sports programs
Plainfield Community Middle School named to 2025 ESPN Honor Roll for creating inclusive environment through Special Olympics Unified Sports programs
DHS announces arrest of 146 truck drivers on northwest Indiana highways
Secretary Kristi Noem and Gov. Mike Braun visited Gary Thursday to announce the results of Operation Midway Blitz, which led to the arrest of 223 people on northwest Indiana highways.
'Little bit of luck': Local golfer's first ace at age 86
Bill Batt started caddying at Meridian Hills Country Club in 4th grade in 1948, found love for golf, and after 50+ years as a member finally got his first hole-in-one this October.
