Ebenezer Flaggs Fly Over Newport

For being named one of Newport's "Best Kept Secrets" by Newport Life Magazine, can be seen leaving it's mark all around town. Their customized and hand-made flags fly on the main streets around Newport for many local businesses.

According to Bert Duguay, the co-owner of the Ebenezer Flagg Co., old Ebenezer was an American Revolutionary War hero from Newport. When Leo Waring, founder of the company, started the business in 1975 for the bicentennial, he wanted a name that both recalled Newport’s history and reflected his trade. Flagg was the obvious fit. 

Duguay himself signed on as a summer worker. More than 30 years later he owns the shop and said still loves what he does. His partner, Tina Croce, joined the company in 1982. Today, Bert and Tina sew 800 flag, each customized to fit each individual order. Most flags are made from heavy gauge nylon and cotton or polyester, take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to make, depending on their complexity.

Ebenezer's doesn't only cater to land-lovers. Yacht owners may commission “courtesy flags” to fly when they enter other nations’ waters.  The yachts fly the flag of the country they enter  as a maritime sign of their respect for the country. Others commission flags with their family crest on them. Those can be simple or fairly elaborate, and vary widely in the images they contain.

If the pattern is very complex, the shop may recommend that a customer consider having their flag printed rather than hand sewn to ensure fine detail and keep costs low. The shop advocates silk-screening for quantity work as well.

Businesses need flags, too, like the many “Open” banners that fly around Newport, which Ebenezer has been making for 27 years. The shop also creates larger flags with local logos. Ebenezer's has sewn flags for fire departments, police departments, as well as the Lifespan flag for Newport Hospital.

"You never know what’s coming in the door next,” Duguay said. American flags, both modern and the original 13-star flag, are always the most popular creations, especially around patriotic holidays, he said. Irish flags are in high demand in March for St. Patrick's day as well. For a while, the Gadsden Flag with a coiled snake and the logo “Don’t Tread On Me” were in demand by members of the Tea Party.

One of the shops trendiest items is the cocktail flag sporting a martini glass against a solid background.

Although the flags are custom-made, not all of them are created in the store itself. Large flag companies make most of the American flags and small flags, but all of the products they sell are American-made with American products, Duguay said.

Both Duguay and Croce said they continue with the shop because they love the variety of work they handle, and their dedication has paid off. In 2009, they were Rhode Island monthly’s Editor’s Pick as the Best Custom-made Flag Company, and this year,  pinpointed them as one of Newport’s  “Best Kept Secrets.”