Buffum doesn't want this poster anymore

The most famous 20th century depiction of Uncle Sam appeared on a World War I recruitment poster in 1917. It’s creator James Montgomery Flagg called it "the most famous poster in the world." Over four million copies were printed between 1917 and 1918, as the United States entered World War I and began sending troops and matériel into war zones.

Flagg (1877-1960) contributed forty-six works to support the war effort. He was a member of the first Civilian Preparedness Committee organized in New York in 1917 and chaired by Grosvenor Clarkson. The poster was used to recruit soldiers for both World War I and World War II. Flagg used a modified version of his own face for Uncle Sam, and veteran Walter Botts provided the pose.

Charles Buffum of New York City, who formely resided at 44 E. Exchange St. In Akron, is one of 40 million people who had a copy of the poster at one time or another. He donated his to the BJ Alums archives. .

And here is the latest version of the poster.