Travel Souvenirs: Unite Under the Flags (During Rallies)
Travel pennants, fondly known as souvenir pennants, have a rich history that dates back to the tradition of flags and banners used for identification, commemoration, and decoration. These small, triangular flags have been a cherished part of mid-century American culture, serving as tangible reminders of personal Grand Tours.
The origins of travel pennants can be traced back to medieval Europe where flags and heraldic banners were used for identification in battles and tournaments. The term "pennon" referred to a small, narrow flag often used by knights and soldiers, and its evolution is closely linked to the development of heraldry.
Travel pennants, as we know them today, evolved into souvenir items produced using fabric and printing techniques. They commonly feature culturally or historically significant landmarks and symbols from travel destinations. For instance, a pennant from Colorado's Buffalo Bill Memorial would show the legendary Colonel himself, while generic locations might include illustrations of cowboys and Native Americans.
Some travel pennants feature specific landmarks, such as the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City or a lobster in Rhode Island. These pennants, which can be found in various places like dusty family attics, estate sales, or online marketplaces, can help recapture happy memories of the past.
In the mid-20th century, travel pennants became popular as a way for travelers to display their vacation destinations on their vehicles. They followed school sporting team and event pennants as a popular souvenir. Early pennants had hand-sewn lettering and illustrations, but screen-printed ones became common by the late 1940s.
Pennant makers were predominantly based in New York City's garment district, with other companies specializing in souvenir novelties. The size of these pennants ranges from about 12" long for the smallest ones to rarely exceeding 30".
These vibrant pieces of history are not only a testament to our love for travel and collecting, but also to our shared human desire to preserve memories and celebrate our cultural heritage. Whether you're a collector, a history buff, or a travel enthusiast, travel pennants offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and a charming way to commemorate our journeys.
In line with their evolution from medieval European flags, travel pennants today often depict culturally or historically significant landmarks, such as the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City or a lobster in Rhode Island, becoming cherished pieces of one's home-and-garden or lifestyle decor. Alternatively, these vibrant memory keepsakes, a testament to our love for travel and cultural heritage, can be traced back to the mid-20th century when they were popularly displayed on vehicles as souvenirs, following the trend set by school sporting team and event pennants.
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