Before the Mall was the Mall Traditional Cache

In 1906 Mr. Niman Ashkar immigrated from Lebanon settling in Manchester in 1916, then in 1914 Miss Bertha Coury immigrated from Lebanon and the two were married in 1932.  From November of 1944 to 1960, where you stand was the site of their family farm.  Both the Ashkar's had a great sense of patriotism and a great gratitude to their adopted country.  This was most show try by Mrs. Ashkar who undertook hand crocheting an American Flag which was presented to President Roosevelt in 1942.  Her efforts where graciously meet.  Mrs. Ashkar also made a flag for General Eisenhower during his second NH Campaign.  Three more flags were made, first of which was presented to her son Lois upon receiving the rank of Captain with the U.S. Air Force in 1962.  Another was presented to her other son John when he received his Pilot wings as a Navy Aviator.  The third flag prior to Mrs. Ashkar’s death in 1976 was designated to remain on display at The Mall of New Hampshire.  Each flag took 6month to 2 years to make. 

If you take the time to walk the common areas of the mall you will find a nice display cube (currently located by Sears) with original letters from President Roosevelt and General Eisenhower as well as other memorabilia related to the Ashkar family.  The actual crocheted flag is not on display in the cube currently due to concerns over damage to it from light and such, however if you go to the mall office (next to Victoria Secret) they will gladly show the flag to anyone who asks as the flag is kept safe as part of the malls history.