Presidential Box Bunting Flag

This bunting flag adorned the Presidential Box on the night of April 14, 1865. The presidential seal did not exist yet, so this flag, a Treasury Guard flag and a portrait of George Washington served as presidential symbols. Stage manager Thomas Gourlay used this flag to cradle Abraham Lincoln’s head as doctors placed Lincoln on the floor. Gourlay passed this flag on to Jeannie, his daughter and an actress in that night’s performance. She eventually moved to Milford, Pennsylvania, bringing the flag with her. Along with her stage costumes, this bunting flag was given to the Pike County Historical Society (Pennsylvania) in 1954.