The Seal of Lafayette

The Lafayette Seal

Lafayette was founded in 1848 by Elam Brown, but it wasn’t until the city’s incorporation in 1968 that our 15 square mile patch got some of the privileges associated with being a ‘real’ city.

Foremost among these was the chance to design and display a city seal. The seal, which would grace everything from city signs to stationery, was commissioned in 1969 and through various stages of research, it was approved for use in 1970. What now represents the town of Lafayette went through several iterations and much public input.

The seal, triangular blue and green inset with a sketch of a beautiful tree, first began with an exploratory committee and an extensive research report compiled by David A. Granados, who, in 1969, recruited graphic artists and researched how other cities in California were creating their artwork.

Results of the city survey are sometimes quite comical and can make a reader wonder about local rivalries. Pleasant Hill was deemed to have a seal that “leaves a great deal to be desired” and Walnut Creek’s open competition resulted in a “poorly designed city seal.” Town seals less close to home, however, like Huntington Beach in Southern California, were hailed as “popular,” but to be fair several cities far and wide were credited with having talented artists creating work that was deemed acceptable.

The report also details that of the 18 solicited artists, six replied, and listed their qualifications and some examples of their work.

The committee agreed that hiring a professional designer was the only way to go. After back and forth discussions with the city council and an agreement that a fee of $1,000 would cover all costs, Thomas Hansen of Hansen Design Company in San Francisco was interviewed and hired. He had the distinction of being the only applicant to apply in person bringing with him his portfolio. His attitude was lauded as very positive in Mr. Granados’ report.

Five designs were created by Mr. Hansen and displayed at the Lafayette Library for a week and a half to gather public comment. The triangular design proved popular, with one commenter declaring it “lacked the gaudiness of some designs.” High praise!

A public meeting held at Las Trampas School on August 10th, 1970 narrowed down the selection to two seals, one a semicircle scheme, also featuring a large tree, and the other the triangular design. The seals were then presented to the Mayor and City Council, who made the choice of the triangle design.

So, when you see the humble triangle on the City of Lafayette sign or embossed on civic stationery, you will duly know of Lafayette’s incorporation and the hard work of those citizens who chose it.

-Amanda Berkson-Brand