Space Forum / Space History / April 2004

I drove down to Austin, Texas a few weeks ago for vacation and visited the
Capitol.  I'd always wanted to do this but in the past I'd been frustrated
by such things as a Texas Longhorns football game in progress, or the
Legislature was in session... you couldn't find a parking space anywhere,
much less get close to downtown.

This time the Legislature was not in session, and the University of Texas
was closed for spring break, so it was much easier to get around.

Right across the street from the Capitol dome is the state's official
building in which they archive important papers, including genealogical
records.  Big library used primarily by, I would assume, qualified scholars.
They do have a few historical items on display in the lobby.

One of these interesting items was a small Texas flag, about the size of a
notebook.  The Texas flag is about as simple in design as you can get, and
therefore immediately noticeable: red stripe, white stripe, blue field, one
white star.  But what was unusual about this particular Texas flag was the
caption on the display:  This one had been in space, taken up by James
Lovell.

The caption did not note the exact mission, but judging from the date
printed on it, it had to have been the two-week Gemini mission with Frank
Borman.  I took a picture of it, but then my 35mm pooped out later that day
and I don't know if I'll ever be able to salvage it.

Admission to that building is free, so if you happen to be in Austin, it's
worth taking a look.

Matt J. McCullar
Arlington, TX