Easton's Town Seal

Prior to 1971, the Town of Easton did not have a seal to use for official documents or matters pertaining to the representation of the town and its government.

Early in 1971 a seal design contest was sponsored by the Easton Historical Society. Judges included: Mrs. Chester Hull, Mrs. Frances Merillat, Carl Mlinar, Robert Neubauer, and Fred Candee, Jr., all charter members of the Historical Society.

At the conclusion of the contest, there were 59 entries. These included 17 students and 40 adults from Easton, and one resident from both Redding and Fairfield. The judges met at the home of Chairman, William J. Pollitt, on April 12, 1971 to select the winning design. Entrant's names were concealed for impartial judging.

One of five designs submitted by Easton resident Gerald O. Clarkson was chosen as the winner and was presented to the Easton voters for approval at a town meeting on May 10, 1971. This design has been in official use since that time.

Honorary mention was given to contest entrants: Mrs. Charles Lynch, Mrs. Regina Link, and Eli Constantine. The ecology theme of Mr. Clarkson's design with an evergreen branch and pine cone was derived from the fact that Easton's borders encompass three reservoirs which provide open space and evergreen trees for air purity. The tree motif is also a symbol for growth. Using the circle establishes wholeness, continuity, and harmony. The circular inscription is hand lettered and includes Easton's date of incorporation, 1845.

Gerald O. Clarkson, a professional designer, illustrator, and teacher, has been an Easton Resident since 1947. He admits that he was originally reticent to enter the Easton contest. "It was my wife Alice who finally persuaded me! I felt that Easton deserved a well-designed seal of longevity, simple, but descriptive of the town. When I work on a design, I always search for whatever is natural to the subject."