Books and Manuscripts

Schuylkill Navy Flag
Philadelphia, ca. 1930s. Silk swallowtail pennant flag, with red border and Schuylkill Navy coat of arms at center; “Vice Commodore” stitched in gold below same. Approximately 18 1/4 x 32 1/4 in. (463 x 819 mm). In frame, 21 5/8 x 35 1/2 in. (549 x 902 mm).

Established in 1858, the Schuylkill Navy is an association of amateur rowing clubs, and is the oldest governing body of amateur athletics in the United States. Founded to prevent rigged races, at its inception the Navy was comprised of nine clubs and approximately 300 members. Today, the Navy has grown to include 16 clubs, including the Fairmount Rowing Association, Crescent Boat Club, Bachelors Barge Club, University Barge Club, Malta Boat Club, Vesper Boat Club, College Boat Club, Penn Athletic Club Rowing Association, Undine Barge Club, Philadelphia Girls' Rowing Club, Gillan Boat Club, Conshohocken Rowing Center, Pennsylvania Barge Club, Whitemarsh Boat Club, Sedgeley Club, and Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports.

This flag most likely belonged to Eli Kirk Price III (1904-1976), who served as Vice-Commodore from 1935-36, and was a member of the University Barge Club. By descent in the Price family.