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| The Flag Store & More
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The Flag Store, started in 1990 by Edna and Doug McCall, is housed in the former Raue Hardware Store at 69 N. Williams St. in downtown Crystal Lake.
The building, built in 1912, is the most original structure in downtown Crystal Lake. From the tin ceiling overhead to the hardwood floors which creak underfoot, to the rustic shelves which rise to the ceiling — it is a true step back in time.
The Flag Store has become known as "A pleasant surprise — in historic downtown Crystal Lake."©
The idea for The Flag Store grew out of the McCalls' interest in international programs they were involved in through Rotary International. Each time they hosted a guest from another country, they displayed the flag of the guest's country. The McCalls felt that such flags should be more readily available to the general public.
They started The Flag Store in conjunction with their printing business. Then Desert Storm came along and U.S. flags became a desirable item for many citizens wishing to express their patriotism. Next, decorative flags came on the scene. The McCalls added gift and decorator items, many of which were inspired by their travels abroad.
The true test for The Flag Store, and the whole flag industry came after September 11, 2001. There had never been such demand for U.S. flags in this country.
The Flag Store is a member of the National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA), and organization made up of flag dealers and manufacturers from across the U.S. and Canada. Edna McCall was honored with the Betsy Ross award in 2000 for her service to the organization as editor of the NIFDA newsletter.
The Flag Store is a member of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. The McCalls have been active in the Chamber since 1975. Edna was on the Board of Directors in the 1970's.
Edna and Doug were instrumental in getting downtown Crystal Lake involved in the Main Street program, a state program backed by a national program for the revitalization of downtowns. Edna was one of the four founding members in 1995. Crystal Lake was one of the original seven suburban communities accepted into the program under the direction of the Lt. Governor's office. The Main Street program was the catalyst to take the downtown to a higher level, and help business owners see past their own front doors to the successes of other communities, and possibilities for the local level.
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