Benny Benson, born on December 10, 1913 in Alaska, had a challenging start to his life. At the tender age of three, he was sent to live in an orphanage following the untimely death of his mother. Despite the difficult circumstances, Benson showed promise and resilience from a young age.
In 1927, when Benson was just 13 years old, he achieved a remarkable feat by winning a contest to design the flag that would represent the Alaskan Territory. His design, which featured the Big Dipper and the North Star on a blue background, was inspired by the constellations he could see from the orphanage where he grew up. The flag was adopted as the official flag of Alaska on May 2, 1927, a testament to Benson's creativity and talent.
For his winning design, Benson was awarded $1000, a significant sum at the time. He used this money to pursue his education, attending the prestigious Hemphill Diesel Engineering School. This investment in his future would set the stage for Benson's successful career in engineering and design.
In 1938, Benson married Betty Van Hise, and the couple remained together until 1950. During their marriage, they welcomed two daughters, Anna and Charlotte, into their family. Despite the challenges he faced in his early years, Benson found happiness and fulfillment in his role as a husband and father.
Benny Benson's legacy as the designer of the Alaskan flag endures to this day. His iconic design symbolizes the strength and resilience of the Alaskan people, as well as the natural beauty of the state. Benson's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and designers, showing that talent and creativity can transcend even the most difficult circumstances.
Through his enduring legacy and iconic design, Benny Benson continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.