Joseph and Kelly Waterbury stand with their children, Fiona (left) and Theo (right), in front of their business, home to a giant American flag. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley’s Highway 99 corridor has been relatively dusty and grim as of late, with construction spanning from the south to north ends of our small community marring the scenery.

As the month of June wrapped, local family-man and business owner Joseph Waterbury made a move to correct that and not only raise our hometown spirits but honor our nation at the same time.

Waterbury recently restored a flagpole and erected a massive 20 x 30 American flag outside his business, Joseph Waterbury Electric Inc., which parallels the highway. As motorists enter the south end of town or leave Gridley, the large red-white-and blue flag waves brilliantly and proudly against the sky with little to detract from it.

A member of the Waterbury family has been serving Gridley’s electrical needs for the last few decades, beginning with Russel Waterbury, Joseph’s grandfather who ran North Valley Electric. The business was handed down to Joseph’s father, Stan Waterbury, who changed the name to Waterbury Electric in 1982.

Joseph Waterbury Electric uses its truck to help string and raise the giant 20’ x 30’ American flag recently installed outside the business. Photo courtesy of Kelly Waterbury

Joseph would learn the trade through apprenticing alongside his father and then obtain his own licensing, eventually opening Joseph Waterbury Electric Inc. in 2019.

Joseph told the Herlad that his father had erected a similar flag in the early 1990s as conflicts in the Middle East progressed. It was met with community pride and engagement, even finding itself the subject of a past Gridley Herald article.

Joseph shared that community members Chris Richins, Jose Santillan and Ernie Santillan assisted his father in installing the flagpole and hoisting the original colors.

The electrician’s motivations ran deep, as Joseph wanted to pay tribute to his country, his father and continue the family legacy by raising the red, white and blue.

 “We just kind of hope that it’s (the flag) a thing that the people of Gridley can look to and unite us,” said Joseph.

Since the flag was raised, reactions from the public, whether in person or social media, have been overwhelmingly positive.

Waterbury twins, Theo and Fiona, point to a clipping from a past Gridley Herald Newspaper documenting when their grandfather, Stan Waterbury, erected the original flag outside the family business, which inspired their father to follow suit. Photo by Seti Long

“Patriotism is needed,” added Joseph’s wife, Kelly Waterbury. She said that the family has received so much supportive feedback from the community since the flag went up.

“One guy called and said, ‘I don’t need your service but now that I see your flag out, when I do, I’ll be calling.”

Waterbury shared that his motivations run deep but ultimately wanted to pay tribute to his country and father.

Joseph would reveal the flag to his father in what would be a very emotional and full-circle moment for the pair.

Joseph and Kelly’s twin children, Fiona and Theo both shared their excitement with the Herald in regard to the giant flag outside their father’s shop.

“It’s BIG!!” exclaimed Theo about the flag and so appeared to be their pride in it judging by their huge smiles.

Joseph Waterbury Electric’s flag can be viewed at 1290 Highway 99. To schedule an appointment, call 530-434-1929.