^{This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website}

Ottoville, Ohio (U.S.)

Putnam County,

image by David Sigley, 21 March 2025
based on photo

Flag

See also:

Flag

Ottoville now files town flag
Mary P Steiner, The Lima News
June 9, 1987
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lima-news-ottoville-village-flag/161862904/

When the village of Ottoville decided it needed a flag, it went to the people for suggestions. In a contest running from March to August of 1986, residents submitted their own designs for a community flag.
A simple green and gold design was chosen from about 20 entries. Originator of the design was Dernice Rieger, who has lived near or in Ottoville all of her life. The major requirement of the winning design was that it have historical significance. Rieger's flag features a green and gold background. Ottoville's school colors. On it are 16 stars forming an "O," which stands for Ottoville, as well as Rev. John Otto Bredeick, a forefather of the town.

In addition, the 16 is representative of a historical marker by the canal that runs through the town. The marker reads "Lock 16," which ironically, has been found to be a historical errow, according to Carol Wittler, flag chairperson and member of the village council.
Wittler said that there was not a lock at the spot where the marker stands. Instead, when the canal was being dug, it was sectioned off and the part in Ottoville was called section 16. The "Lock 16" marker refers to section 16. It was under construction from 1606-1609.
Wittler said that they hope to settle the confusion over the "Lock 16" marker by publicizing the flag and what it represents.

According to Wittler, Rieger's design was also chosen for. its simplicity, which meant that having the flag made up would be simpler and less costly.
"We had some very beautiful, elaborate (designs)," said Whittler of the other entries. "Its (the flag) very simple, very plain." One large indoor flag, which will be hung in council chambers, was handsewn by Colonial Flag, Co. of Coshocton, and measures three by five feet. The village also ordered 110 silkscreened flag, measuring two by three feet, from the flag company. They are also being sold at $17 each.
As designer of the flag, Rieger received the first silkscreened flag, as well as a $100 war bond. Reiger said she intends to fly the flag on special occasions.
Rieger, who spent about one day working on the winning design, was surprised that hers was chosen.
"I have a daughter who is an artist. She entered three designs and they were just gorgeous," she said. "It just makes me feel very proud to be able to contribute to the history of the community."
David Sigley, 21 March 2025