Of firemen, a blind man and an American flag
Frank Auburn’s life was a classic American story that included an American flag waving from a staff, thanks to friendly firemen.
In 1911, Auburn graduated from the Illinois State School for the Blind. Along with this peers, he was warned by the school that “the greatest problem that confronts the blind is…securing employment after their training is completed….Few avenues in the commercial world are open to those deprived of sight.”
Auburn’s solution was to create his own path to success. He returned to his hometown of Decatur, moved in with his mother and opened a union broom-making shop at 651 East Cerro Gordo. He also took up poetry-writing. Together, his twin interests kept his hands and mind nimble.
Soon, his customer list included a local iron works, a department store and families. Auburn knew where everything in his shop was, so he could reach what he needed with ease.
He numbered among his friends members of a nearby fire company who admired Auburn’s talents and perseverance. One fireman said, “That’s one of the finest boys in this city. I wonder if people with their clear sight realize how much of their own selves they’re wasting. I couldn’t make a broom…if my life depended on it.”
As for Auburn’s attitude about his handicap, he stated, “There’s no need of being bitter over something that is beyond all help….Everyone has his personal troubles and we all must find a way to help ourselves.”
His attitude, his friends and his love for his country came together 100 years ago. Auburn had placed a 25-foot flagpole atop his shop and rigged it with a pulley. To do so, he had to crawl out on the roof of his store, something that required the assistance of his faithful firemen friends.
Auburn planned to raise an American flag to mark the June 14 observance of Flag Day. “Although he cannot see it,” noted the local newspaper, he “is as proud of the flag as any man in the nation.”
The broom-maker arranged for a big dedication ceremony, aided again by his firefighting pals. He wanted a 21-gun salute and patriotic speeches.
Alas, he didn’t plan on a thunderstorm, which postponed the big event. But Auburn’s flag dream came true later on, thanks to his self-confidence – and the firemen who supported him.