Residents could soon see triskaidecagons (aka tridecagons) throughout Newton, depending on how the City Councilors ultimately vote on the new City seal design.
The 13-sided polygon forms the outer ring of one of three black-and-white draft images created by graphic designer Sebastian Ebarb. The City is looking for feedback on the proposals and asking the public to take the City Seal Survey, which is open now through August 21.
Both Ebarb and Hattie Kerwin Derrick — the City’s Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion and a member of the City Seal Working Group — spoke about the three images, received feedback, and answered questions during an evening meeting on the designs on June 18 at City Hall.
A few audience members offered ideas about Option C, the design that includes the 13-sided ring meant to symbolize Newton’s 13 villages. The tridecagon encircles a red maple tree, which “is ubiquitous throughout the city,” said Ebarb.
The designer said he and the City Seal Working Group frequently heard positive comments about Newton being referred to as the “Garden City,” which is why he created an image with a tree and a river running to its left.
“Although Newton does not have an official tree, the red maple would be a fitting choice,” said Ebarb during the presentation. “The red maple is both colorful and iconic, symbolizing endurance and beauty — qualities synonymous with Newton.”
When asked if a different tree could replace the red maple, Ebarb said he could “mix and match” certain design elements. Others suggested adding visible roots and not abbreviating the state’s name.
“Nothing here is set in stone,” Ebarb said.
Ebarb also described the other two designs, although audience members did not comment on them.
Option A, referred to as simple, straightforward, and flexible, “celebrates Newton’s rich history. With celebratory banners featuring historical information flanking the central image of City Hall, this seal emphasizes the city’s heritage,” said Ebarb. “The typography at the top [that says, “City of Newton”] partially recreates elements from previous seals, preserving a sense of tradition. The overall design fits seamlessly within the broader pantheon of Massachusetts city and town seals.”
Option B, described as official, classic, and everlasting, features “a close-up of City Hall, showcasing one of its lower spires from a heroic angle. As one of Newton’s most iconic and non-religious buildings, City Hall symbolizes the proud history of the city,” said Ebarb. “The upward perspective of the spire is meant to evoke hope and dignity. The intricate details of the building emphasize Newton’s historic character and tie it to the new seal.”
On July 10, the City Seal Working Group will present the three draft designs to the City Council’s Programs and Services Committee to receive members’ input.
After the City Seal Survey closes on August 21, the working group will review how the public ranked the three choices, read comments, and adjust the chosen image as needed. The goal is to finish the final proposal — in black and white and color — by early fall, said Kerwin Derrick. The entire City Council would then vote on whether to accept it or not.
Concerns and opposition
Although the focus of the June 18 meeting was to get feedback on Ebarb’s three designs, a couple attendees objected to the entire process itself.
Even if the City Council approves a new seal, an audience member said a group from Nonantum would call for a referendum to not alter the image at all.
“I am not in support of changing the seal,” said resident Terry Sauro. Although she told Ebarb his designs were “lovely,” she said she did not find the current seal offensive and wanted the image to remain as-is.
As Fig City News previously reported, the City Seal Working Group stated in its 2021 report that the 1865 image “depicts a scene of Reverend John Eliot proselytizing to Native people, specifically the Massachusett, in 1646” and needed to change. After months of work — listening to feedback from the community and Eastern Massachusetts Native groups — members of the Working Group concluded that a change was needed because “the seal does not sufficiently or accurately depict historical events … the design is outdated, unnecessarily complicated, and has degraded over time.”
However, another attendee at Tuesday’s meeting said he was disappointed that the seal might change and said only a “loud minority” wanted change to happen. He said he did not find the current imagery offensive and brought in an “alternative” design — a blank piece of paper that he said would not offend anyone.
Kerwin Derrick explained that if the City Council approves a new seal, any updates would not happen overnight. In fact, in some areas, there would be no changes at all.
For example, workers will not be digging up the floor of City Hall’s rotunda which features the current seal. Instead, a sign or plaque would be installed nearby that would give more context and describe its history.
As old City equipment, uniforms, and other items are replaced, the new items would include the updated design.
“This is a standard practice in many cities and towns,” said Ebarb.
Neither Kerwin Derrick nor Councilor Bill Humphrey, another member of the working group, expressed a preference for a favorite design. They said they are eagerly awaiting the results of the survey.
