> A Symbol for Windsor Historical Society
A Symbol for Windsor Historical Society
Vote by Email or call 688-3813. Thanks to a grant from The Connecticut Humanities Council, Windsor Historical Society (WHS) has hired designer Eric Doyle to create a logo; something that will stand as an easily recognizable, graphic symbol for WHS. The image must be simple, eye-catching and must resonate with our mission, which is connecting people with the history of our town, encouraging a sense of belonging in the present, and promoting a commitment to Windsor’s future. Logos are commonly found on institutional newsletters, letterhead and envelopes, street signs, banners and merchandise. Old Sturbridge Village uses a grasshopper detail from one of its historic weathervanes as its logo; Traveler’s Insurance Company uses a red umbrella, symbolizing protection. This past fall, Windsor Historical Society hosted a series of public programs called “Visions of Windsor” with four well-known local artists who use Windsor imagery extensively in their work. Photographers Wayne Dombkowski and Len Hellerman, painter and quilter Jan Dagenhart and sculptor Lon Pelton explored significant visual and historical aspects of the town of Windsor. At the end of each program, participants were asked to choose one image that symbolized Windsor’s history that could be used as an identity piece for a first-time ever logo for WHS. Tobacco was mentioned because of its long association with Windsor, but tobacco is an image with both positive and negative connotations. Another Windsor image that rose quickly to the top in both public discussions was The mid-19th century railroad bridge across the Farmington River, which connects the historic Palisado Green area with the current center of town on the Broad Street Green. Windsor residents know the bridge well; if you are from more distant parts, the photograph shows a striking arched stone structure that works well visually and metaphorically. “Windsor Historical Society: Bridging Centuries, Bridging Cultures” could work well as a tag-line. Another image that emerged in private discussions after the meetings was Windsor Historical Society’s own 1758 Strong House once known as the Fyler House. Proponents of using the Strong House for a logo feel that, after all, the logo we are developing is for WHS, not the town of Windsor. Saving the Fyler House from demolition for a gasoline station in 1925 catalyzed the development of WHS, and ownership of a building made the establishment of a public museum (and tea room) possible. Many historical organizations use representations of their buildings or architectural details from those buildings as their logos. One could use an open door or window symbolizing WHS’s mission of sharing its resources with expanding audiences. A third symbol emerging from board discussions was A tree with branches and roots visible. The roots can symbolize the long history of the town itself, and the ancestral roots that draw many to this town. The branches can symbolize the many aspects of Windsor’s ever-evolving history or people branching out all over the country with Windsor roots. Interestingly enough, the American Association for State and Local History uses such a tree for its logo. The good news is that we have three strong and resonant options for a logo design. The challenge is deciding which option is best. The next step for our graphic designer is to work up rough sketches of each option for board and committee review in mid-January. Vote!What do you think is the best idea for the Windsor Historical Society logo? Here’s your chance to weigh in. Email Windsor Historical Society or call 688-3813 by January 18 with your vote.Choose one of the following: 1. Railroad Bridge 2. Rooted Tree 3. Strong House They’d love to hear from you! |
