Seal of Milwaukee facts for kids
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The official seal of Milwaukee is a special symbol that shows different important things about the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Think of it like a city's unique badge! It's used on official documents and represents the city's history and values.
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What is the Milwaukee City Seal?
The Milwaukee city seal is a civic seal. It's an important emblem that helps identify the city. Seals like this are often used by governments to make documents official. They can also be seen on buildings or uniforms.
The First Seal: A Look Back
The very first version of Milwaukee's seal was created around 1846. This was when the city officially became a city. It was used on important papers like land deeds. A land deed is a legal document that proves who owns a piece of land.
The original seal showed the city's first lighthouse. This lighthouse was a key landmark back then. You can still see this old seal today. It is kept safe at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. A group called the "Old Settlers' Club" donated it. This club started in 1869. Its members were people who lived in Milwaukee before 1839. They worked hard to save the city's early history.
What's on the Current Seal?
The seal you see today has been updated over time. It includes many symbols that tell Milwaukee's story.
Main Symbols and Text
At the very center of the current seal, you'll find a lighthouse. This scene also shows a sunrise over Lake Michigan. This image represents hope and the city's connection to the Great Lakes. Seven stars surround this central picture. The abbreviation WIS. is also there, standing for Wisconsin.
Other important images on the seal include:
- A railroad train, showing the city's growth in transportation.
- The original city hall building, a symbol of local government.
- A steamboat, highlighting Milwaukee's port and shipping history.
- A house, representing the people and homes within the city.
Around the outer edge of the seal, you can read some important words. At the top, it says CITY OF MILWAUKEE. At the bottom, it states INCORPORATED JAN. 31 1846. This date marks the day Milwaukee officially became an incorporated city.
Special Versions of the Seal
The city seal has also inspired other works of art and symbols.
Stained Glass Art
In 1939, a beautiful stained glass version of the seal was made. It was created by Conrad Schmitt Studios. This project was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a program in the United States. It helped people find jobs during the Great Depression. Many WPA projects involved creating public art. In 1978, this stained glass artwork was fixed up. It was then placed inside the Common Council chamber. This is where the city's leaders meet.
Baseball Team Patch
The Milwaukee city seal even appeared on sports uniforms! In 1944, the Milwaukee Chicks were a baseball team. They played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. This league was famous for women's baseball. The Milwaukee team wore a special patch on their uniforms. This patch was based on the design of the city seal.
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Seal featured in WPA stained glass window
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Patch worn on the uniforms of Milwaukee's AAGPBL team
