Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Would you ever have imagined that the stately woman pictured on the Troy city seal was once reviled by city residents who called her a traitor and complained that her nose was too big? The seal design was first proposed by City Manager Paul York, who emblazoned it on the cover of his budget proposal to the Troy City Commission in April 1967, and included a recommendation that the City adopt it as the official city seal. The drawing, by James R. Saile, an area freelance artist, did not immediately win acceptance, but, on December 16, 1968, the City Commission formally adopted the design.
Community reaction was mixed and some residents were sharply opposed, questioning the decision to adopt a seal featuring Athena. According to Greek mythology, she had taken sides against the ancient city of Troy during the Trojan War. The controversy over the design, and the design process, continued into the new year, but, on January 27, 1969, the City Commission declined to reverse the selection of Athena. The choice to retain her was, perhaps, impacted as much by City Manager York’s point that the City had already spent $140 dollars on stencils for the seal, as by the fact that Athena represented wisdom, success in warfare, and the protection of cities. Almost forty years later, however, she still stands erect, with her shield and spear, ready to protect our city.
Jensen, Barry; “Troy Residents Adopting Athena, Goddess of City”; The Eccentric; 11/19/1969.
“Goddess of Troy;” Royal Oak Tribune; 12/17/68.
“ ‘Enemy Goddess’ Remains on Seal;” The Eccentric; 1/30/1969.
To commemorate the City of Troy’s 60th Anniversary in 2015, we will publish a different story each day that highlights a person, discovery, or event that occurred locally, regionally, nationally, or even globally between 1955 and 2015 and that helped shape our lives and our community. We will try to post stories on important anniversary dates, but we also realize that dates are less critical than content and context. We will include the facts related to controversial stories, allowing our readers to form their own opinions. We invite you to read and comment on the stories. Your suggestions for topics are also welcome and can be posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TroyHistoricVillage. You can also email stories or ideas to the 365 Story Editor at ed@thvmail.org.
