The flagpole has been a Belle Isle landmark for more than 80 years.

Photo from the Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library

The flagpole was a gift of the Detroit Rotary Club on behalf of the children of metro Detroit.

Photo from the Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library

The Smith Monument shortly after it was unveiled in 1932

Photo from the Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University

The Smith flagpole in July 1932

Detroit News photo from the collection of Vance Patrick