This newsreel story shows us President Eisenhower signing the bill that made Alaska a state. Then we get to see flag manufacturer’s wrestle with the problem of making a 49-star flag that looks nice and symmetrical. They come up with a solution, one that would almost immediately become obsolete when Hawaii was granted statehood. I bet those flags sell for a lot on Ebay today. Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: ***. Weirdness: **. Historical Interest: ****. Overall Rating: ***.

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Unfortunately, this newsreel clip does not feature any footage from Alaska itself, the best thing about it you get to see a lot of the now rare 49 star US flags, which would get superceded later in 1959 by the addition of Hawaii and the 50th star. There is also some footage of Eisenhower signing into effect Alaska statehood.

- April 11, 200549 Stars