{"product_id":"1917-wwi-living-flag-photo-of-10-000-sailors-great-lakes-naval-training-station","title":"1917 WWI Living Flag Photo of 10,000 Sailors Great Lakes Naval Training Station","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"item-specifics\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"item-description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description-text\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"line-height: 1.65; background: #000000; padding: 22px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Header --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 22px; color: #444; margin-bottom: 30px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eFine Historical Photograph\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003c!-- Core Details --\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1917 WWI “Living Flag” Photograph – Great Lakes Naval Training Station\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotographer \/ Distributor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mayhart Studio, Chicago\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1917\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original Gelatin Silver Print\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrientation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Portrait\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black \u0026amp; White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFraming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Framed (vintage frame)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImage size:\u003c\/strong\u003e  27cm x 34.5cm (11\" x 14\")\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrame size:\u003c\/b\u003e 43cm x 60cm (17\" x 24\")\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStamp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sequential production number \u003cstrong\u003e26208\u003c\/strong\u003e (original WWI distribution)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Photograph shows visible tears and age‑related wear, consistent with 100+ year-old wartime ephemera. Frame shows handling marks. Despite flaws, the image remains highly displayable and retains original printed documentation card.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: none; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 25px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003c!-- About the Photograph --\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eAbout the Photograph\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal 1917 WWI “Living Flag” photograph\u003c\/strong\u003e created at the \u003cstrong\u003eGreat Lakes Naval Training Station\u003c\/strong\u003e, the largest naval training facility in the United States during the First World War. The image captures an extraordinary patriotic display: \u003cstrong\u003e10,000 sailors\u003c\/strong\u003e arranged with military precision to form a massive American flag measuring \u003cstrong\u003e120 feet by 180 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eThe photograph was taken from a tower approximately \u003cstrong\u003e70 feet high\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing the entire formation to be captured in perfect perspective. Every sailor stands at attention, many saluting, creating a powerful wartime morale image produced during the crucial months when the United States entered WWI.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eThese “living flag” photographs were part of a broader patriotic movement in 1917–1918, where large-scale human formations depicted national symbols, military emblems, and iconic figures such as Woodrow Wilson and the Statue of Liberty. The Great Lakes Naval Training Station produced some of the most impressive examples, and this photograph is one of the best-known compositions from the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003c!-- Documentation --\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eOriginal Documentation Included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eThis example retains the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal printed information card\u003c\/strong\u003e, which provide detailed technical and historical data:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eFlag covered \u003cstrong\u003e7½ acres\u003c\/strong\u003e of ground\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eStars measured \u003cstrong\u003e65 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e6 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e across\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eEngineer and assistants took \u003cstrong\u003e4 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e to lay out the ground\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e9650 men\u003c\/strong\u003e in the flag, \u003cstrong\u003e1600\u003c\/strong\u003e in white stripes, \u003cstrong\u003e1900\u003c\/strong\u003e in red stripes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3400 men\u003c\/strong\u003e in the star’s field\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eSold under license by the \u003cstrong\u003eState Council of Defense of Illinois\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eDistributed by \u003cstrong\u003eMayhart Co., Chicago\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cstrong\u003e$1.00\u003c\/strong\u003e per copy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eThe presence of this card significantly strengthens authenticity and collector value, as many surviving examples are missing one or both.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003c!-- Historical Context --\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eIn April 1917, the United States entered the First World War. Patriotic imagery became a vital tool for morale, recruitment, and national unity. Photographs like this were sold by discharged sailors, with royalties supporting the \u003cstrong\u003eNaval Athletic Fund\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eThe sequential number \u003cstrong\u003e26208\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped on your copy indicates it was part of the original wartime distribution run. These numbers were applied by hand and represent the order of production or fulfilment. Surviving numbered examples are highly desirable among collectors of WWI naval history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003c!-- Collector Appeal --\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size: 18px; color: #555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eCollector Appeal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eThis photograph appeals strongly to collectors of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eWWI military history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eNaval history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eAmericana and patriotic ephemera\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eGreat Lakes Naval Training Station memorabilia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eEarly 20th-century photography\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\"\u003eEven with condition flaws, the combination of original documentation, studio attribution, and wartime provenance makes this a \u003cstrong\u003ehighly desirable historical artifact\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .item-specifics, .item-description {font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 16px;}\n  .title {font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0 0 8px 0;}\n  .specs-grid {display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 12px 24px;}\n  .spec-pair {display: grid; grid-template-columns: 120px 1fr; gap: 8px;}\n  .spec-name {font-weight: bold; color: #111;}\n  .spec-value {color: #333;}\n  .description-text {margin-top: 8px; line-height: 1.4; color: #333;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","brand":"Curated Treasures","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57283488678214,"sku":"v1|206533482133|0","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0946\/0891\/6806\/files\/s-l1600_41f9d101-ba12-4523-b4a6-d4b002f5e0a3.jpg?v=1788778669","url":"https:\/\/www.curatedtreasures.art\/products\/1917-wwi-living-flag-photo-of-10-000-sailors-great-lakes-naval-training-station","provider":"Curated Treasures","version":"1.0","type":"link"}