Early in the history of Osterville, the area at the intersection of Parker Road, Bay Street, and Wianno Avenue housed the village hay scales where produce in this farming community was weighed. Eventually the island at the center of these streets was turned into a World War I memorial on which the names of local service men and women were etched in bronze to acknowledge and honor their service.
Standing guard over the memorial, waving high and wide from a 70-foot flag pole, Old Glory signals entry into the village. It is a guide post welcoming visitors, and signaling home sweet home for residents. It is also a tribute honoring those who served and sacrificed for their community. And for many years, tending to the flagpole was the particular honor and responsibility of long-time village resident Townsend “Townie” Hornor. Every single day for years he raised and lowered that flag. When it became frayed and worn by exposure to harsh summer sun and frigid winter wind, he paid to replace the flag himself.
And when Townie died in 2005, Cape Cod native Russ Jacobson took over these responsibilities with the help of his wife Susan, raising and lowering the flag, making sure the pole itself was working well, even planting and tending the flowers that adorn the memorial.
Russ and Osterville native Susan were high school sweethearts, have been married 48 years, and have lived most of those years in the village, where they brought up their own three children.
Osterville is such a unique village; a beautiful place to bring up kids, Russ recently said, with Susan by his side.
And now there are grandchildren. Russ fondly recalls bringing them to the memorial to help him plant and tend flowers. “It is
a great way for children to learn about their heritage and to learn about being part of a community and giving back to that community.
For years, care of the flagpole has been a labor of love for these two. But they are quick to add that they
have received much support from fellow community members throughout the years, including those who have donated flowers, helped with irrigation, reworked the aging pole, donated lighting, and bought and paid for new flags as each one wears out.
Despite the difïculties, Russ is devoted to his task, with help from Susan, their grandchildren, and much needed support from the community. Why? For him, it's simple. I do it because I love Osterville, he says.
Picture: Rachel Seldon, one of Russ and Susan Jacobson’s grand-nieces, learns how to raise and lower the flag properly.
- Karyn Kuhn
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