Tag: Poetry

The Best 250th Logos

On By Bert DunkerlyIn Uncategorized13 Comments

We write about serious topics all the time here, which we should. But sometimes its nice to have some fun. This one will be fun. One of the things that stands out to me as I read about upcoming events and programs going on across the nation are graphics and illustrations. Logos. There’s nothing like a great logo. It can capture the spirit of the team/place/group. One of my favorite logos is this one (I sure hope Rob Orrison is reading):


The Bicentennial produced what I think is a great, classy looking logo:


By comparison, the official 250 logo for the nation’s commission is bland and boring to me:


https://america250.org

As we’ve entered the 250th commemoration, I’ve noticed the various logos for state 250 commissions. Some I really like, some are o.k., and some are just plain . . . boring. I’ll run down my opinion on the various state 250th logos. There are many state commissions, so to keep this manageable I’ll just focus on those of the original thirteen states. And I’ll go through them in alphabetical order so as to avoid any sense of favoritism.


Connecticut
I’ll just say it: it’s boring. I love the Nutmeg State and it has some great historic sites. But the logo falls flat. Just the state name, with the ‘C’ in blue to set it off.


https://ct250.org


Delaware
Good work, First State. It’s short, sweet, colorful, patriotic, and I like the state outline.


https://delaware250.org

Georgia
It’s o.k. Good colors, but kind of bland to me.


https://exploregeorgia.org/ga250


Maryland
Not a fan. Neither exciting or interesting. Too many letters, not enough graphics.


https://mdtwofifty.maryland.gov


Massachusetts
It’s ok. The state abbreviation and ‘250’ look very 70s to me. I honestly expected more from a state with such rich Revolutionary history.


https://massachusetts250.org/healey-unveils-massachusetts-250-initiative-to-celebrate-anniversary-of-independence


New Hampshire

Come on, Granite State! New Hampshire currently has no state 250th Commission. Let’s hope the state addresses that soon.


New Jersey
The Garden State’s logo features an illustration representing the state’s role as the Crossroads of the Revolution. I’m not crazy about the colors, though.


https://www.revnj.org


New York
Definitely a winner. It has clear lettering, patriotic colors, and the image of the flag on the state outline.

https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/revolutionaryny250


North Carolina
Not crazy about it. Sorry, Tarheel State. The letters are too small and thin, and there are no graphics.


https://www.america250.nc.gov


Pennsylvania
The Keystone State has used its state abbreviation with the numbers ‘250.’ It reminds me of money. Simple, but it works. I do wish it had more to it, though.



https://www.america250pa.org


Rhode Island
Spot on. Nice logo, with the anchor, a symbol of the state, and abbreviation and ‘250.’ It’s easy to read, sharp, and captures the state’s history.

https://rhodeisland250.org


South Carolina
I think the Palmetto State could’ve done better. It’s not awful, but not inspiring either. The letters and wording could really use an image or graphic to go with them. How about a palmetto?


https://southcarolina250.co


Virginia
I like the use of red, white, and blue in the Old Domion’s logo, as well as the thick font for the letters and numbers. It’s a good one. I wish it was a bit more visual, with maybe a state outline or something, but overall, I like it.


https://va250.org



What do you think? What do you like best? Do you live in another state with a great logo? Share it.

This is not in any way meant to criticize any state’s commemorative efforts. Every state is doing great programming. Check out their websites and support their programs. And be sure to check out the national 250 website:

https://america250.org


Poet in a Patriot Prison

On By Eric SternerIn Civilian, Personalities, Social History, Uncategorized, Western FrontierLeave a comment 
CONFINEMENT hail! in honour's justest cause.
True to our King, our Country, and our Laws;
Opposing anarchy, sedition, strife,
And every other bane of social life.
These Colonies of British freedom tir'd,
Are by the frenzy of distraction fir'd;
Rushing to arms, they madly urge their fate,
And levy war against their parent state.
Surrounding nations, in amazement, view
The strange infatuation they pursue.
Virtue, in tears, deplores their fate in vain; 
And Satan smiles to see disorder reign;
The days of Cromwell, puritanic rage,
Return'd to curse our more unhappy age.
We friends to freedom, government and laws; 
Are deem'd inimical unto their cause:
In vaults, with bard and iron doors confin'd,
They hold our persons, but can't rule the mind.
Act now we cannot, else we gladly wou'd;
Resign'd we suffer for the public good.
Success on earth sometimes to ill is given,
To brave misfortunes is the gift of Heaven.
What men could do we did, our cause to serve,
We can't command success, but we'll deserve. 

--- Dr. John Smyth

The American frontier west of the Appalachian mountains was a fluid place in 1775.  Settlers, officials, and Native Americans were all struggling to decide where their loyalties and interests lay, with the British government in London, colonial governments, or the rebelling Americans organizing themselves to determine their own fates.  Individuals often switched sides as the war unfolded

One man who was a constant in his loyalty to the crown was Dr. John Connolly of Pittsburgh.  Before the Revolution, he had led Virginia’s efforts as Lord Dunmore’s agent to seize control over the Forks of the Ohio and assert its claims westward, even receiving a promise of land in far-off Kentucky.  When the fighting started in Massachusetts, he developed a plan to mobilize Native Americans and Britain’s far-flung military forces on the frontier to attack Pittsburgh and then march on Virginia.  Dunmore and General Gage both approved.  So, Connolly and two loyalists, Allen Cameron of South Carolina and Dr. John Smyth of Maryland, plus Connolly’s enslaved servant travelled surreptitiously through Maryland, hoping to reach Detroit via Pittsburgh, the Ohio River, the Wabash River, and then anther overland trek.  Local patriots recognized them outside Hagerstown, Maryland and the trio was promptly arrested on the night of November 19.  A quick hearing by the local Committee of Safety decided to ship them off to Frederick, where a more thorough investigation revealed Connolly’s plan. Continue reading “Poet in a Patriot Prison” →

Phillis Wheatley: American Poet

On By Eric SternerIn African-American, Civilian, Personalities, Slavery, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Phyllis Wheatley Book Frontspiece
Title Page from Phillis Wheatley’s Book of Poetry

The American Revolution was loaded with contradictions, perhaps none more glaring than the notion of fighting for individual liberty while slavery was so deeply embedded in the rebelling colonies.  To truly understand the American Revolution, it’s necessary to wrestle with that reality.  The stories of some individuals help shed light on the experience of enslaved Americans during the war.

Phillis Wheatley was born in West Africa, likely in 1753, and then imported into the British colonies in 1761.  John Wheatley of Boston purchased her to assist his wife Susanna and daughter Mary as a house servant.  Like many slaves, she was given the last name of her owners; her first may have come from the name of the ship that brought her across the Atlantic.  Susanna and Mary noticed something in young Phillis and taught her to read and write, introducing her to the Bible and religion.  She published her first poem in 1767 and the 1770 poem “An Elegiac Poem, on the Death of the Celebrated Divine George Whitefield,” gave her some degree of fame.

Continue reading “Phillis Wheatley: American Poet” →