The edge of each star is finely stitched with six stitches to the inch and an unusual double row of stitches. Why the women applied just 36 stars on the flag is unknown. Nevada was the 36th state admitted in1864, but by 1882 when they made the flag, Nebraska and Colorado had also been added to the union. Perhaps just 36 stars were used for artistic balance. Except for a few rips and tears, the flag is in remarkably good condition, but too large and too fragile to be hung in the museum. Bruce was founded in 1881 as the town of Lee. But in 1883 the name was changed to Bruce. After the flag makers moved to Bruce, they intended that the heavy flag be flown only on special occasions. But on one especially windy special day in 1884, Mrs. Kinyon had the flag lowered. She felt the rigorous Dakota wind would damage it, and she was probably right. From that day forward it has never again been flown on a flag pole. It was carried in the Bruce Centennial parade in 1981 surrounded by and held by former Girls Staters, each holding a section of the flag as they marched. It was later donated to the Brookings County Museum. The old flag, which even when folded is nearly as big as a card table, was difficult for the museum to display, so until funds were available for a proper container, it was placed in storage. The flag remained in storage over the years, the location of its niche forgotten as new board members were elected, and eventually it was considered misplaced, only to be located again this summer.