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Birthday Party in Old City Fêtes America's Premier Flagmaker

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Betsy Ross House, in Old City Philadelphia, threw a birthday party today for the late woman of the house.

Happy birthday to Betsy Ross!  America's most famous flagmaker would have been 263 years old on New Year's Day.

Children visiting the historic Betsy Ross House, at 239 Arch Street, sang "Happy Birthday."  They  were treated to cupcakes.  A Betsy Ross reënactor was there, greeting her well-wishers.

Seven-year-old Colin Dunlap of Downingtown, Pa. (at left in photo) read all about this notable American woman in school.

"She is known for sewing the first flag," he explained.

"Oh, yes, I sewed my first flag at the request General Washington, Robert Morris, and my uncle-in-law George," Betsy added, noting that it would have been peculiar indeed someone raised Quaker, like her, to celebrate a birthday in that era.

One visitor asked Betsy to pose for a selfie.  She said she wasn't quite sure what that was, but she was happy to oblige.

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