History of the Town Seal
The town of Harbour Grace was incorporated on July 10, 1945, and held it’s first council meeting on July 14, 1945. The seal was officially adopted by the second council in November, 1948. However, H. Herman Archibald (Mayor) and T. Jack Watts (Deputy Mayor) of the first council, who recognized the need for a distinct seal for the town, are credited with it’s origin.
The water symbolizes the town’s importance as a major seaport and haven for seafarers since 1505, the earliest recorded date of seasonal settlement in Harbour Grace. The lighthouse gives perpetual fame to the first one erected at the Point of Beach as a landmark to mariners. The building known by sailors the world over, was erected in 1850 by a famous shipbuilder of that day, Michael Condon Kearney and his foreman, a fiery and herculean Scotsman with flaming locks of red hair named John Gunn.
Known as the ‘Beacon Light’, it was originally lit by oil and on August 11, 1852, it was lit by gas and then electricity. It was a double light, one being placed over the other and holding that appearance for six miles. Further than that distance, to ten miles, the lights appeared as one.
Timber for the building was brought from St. Marharets and Mirimachi. The first light keeper was Captain George Brown, familiarly known as ‘Bully Brown’.
In November 1960, the Federal Government decided as a matter of economics to replace the century old ‘Beacon Light’ with the present day open tower steel structure. Federal Transport Minister Balcer said at the time that the wooden lighthouse was in such a condition that it would cost $16,000 to replace the structure, but only $2,200 to build a new one.
Prior to the ‘Beacon Light’, a ‘Head of Stones’ served as the landmark. They were put there by the celebrated navigator Captain James Cook, who surveyed the coast of Newfoundland in the mid 1700’s.
The late William E. Parsons, who served on the second council was asked to take the picture of the lighthouse that was later used by the printer when he moulded the die for the Harbour Grace seal. He took the picture from an open boat directly south of the lighthouse.
History of the Town Flag
The flag of Harbour Grace, distinctive in colour and design, may measure 27″ by 54″ or 36″ by 72″. It was officially proclaimed by the Mayor and Councillors on June 28th, 1995 to commemorate the semi-centennial of municipal government. It was first raised and dedicated on June 30th, 1995. Research and preparation for the flag was done by Gordon French, Don Martin and Karl Janes of the Harbour Grace Heritage Advisory Board. The artist was Andy Williams.
There are special terms for the different parts of the Harbour Grace flag and its accessories. The two end widths of the flag are its hoist and fly, or the end hoisted on the pole and the end allowed to fly free. Between them lies the field or ground, which is the flag’s background colour. On the Harbour Grace flag, the field is red. The red background represents the colour of the tunics authorized and issued by the British Government to the Harbour Grace Volunteer Corps. Founded in 1861, the corps provided outstanding service in maintaining peace and order in troubled times. The gold tassels and gold ring were mounted at the head of the corps flagstaff.
The emblem in the center of the flag is the town’s official seal. Harbour Grace was incorporated on July 10th, 1945. The lighthouse gives perpetual fame to the first wooden lighthouse erected at the Point of Beach as a landmark to mariners. Known by sailors the world over, it was built by the famed shipbuilder Michael Kearney in 1850. The building was affectionately known as the “Beacon Light.” The white diagonal cross is indicative of a beacon casting its light to all corners of the globe to guide mariners to a safe haven. The blue water symbolizes the town’s importance as a major seaport and haven for seafarers since the date of its first seasonal settlement in 1505. The green land pays homage to the farmers. Farming in the early times was only out-ranked in importance by the fishery.
In the upper quarter on the field of red is an aircraft of the 1920-30 vintage, which symbolizes the importance of the town’s airfield constructed in 1927. At the time, it was the only recognized civillian airfield in North America. The airfield provided a take off point for early aviators in their trans-Atlantic and round-the-world flights. Two aviators of fame who used the airfield were Amelia Earhart and Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker.
Flag Etiquette
The flag may be flown from fixed poles and masts or smaller portable and fixed staffs. The ropes by which the flag is raised is called the halyard. Poles, masts and staffs may have special ornaments, known as trucks or finals at the top.
The fundamental rule is that the flag of Harbour Grace must always be given a place of honour when it is shown within the boundries of Harbour Grace. The only flags allowed to fly above it are the flag of Canada, the Union Jack and the flag of Newfoundland and Labrador. When displayed with flags or pennants of cities, towns or ogranizations, the flag should be shown at the center and at the highest point. When a row of flags is carried on staffs in a parade, it should be on the marcher’s right. On a platform or in the chancel of a church, the flag should be on the right of the speaker. If it is on a staff off the platform, it should be on the right of the audience. In the Council Chambers, it must be displayed on the Mayor’s right.
When there is a succession of flag poles “from the left,” facing a street or highway, flags shall be flown in this order… Canadian flag, Union Jack, Newfoundland and Labrador and the flag of Harboru Grace.
When displayed without a staff or pole, the flag should always be hung so that the folds fall free. The flag should never be used as a drapery or covering. The flag may be employed to cover a casket, with the hoist end at the head. It should not be lowered into a grave or allowed to touch the ground or floor at any time.
When the flag is displayed on a wall, it should be hung from the hoist end. As a sign of mourning, the flag will always be flown at half-mast for a deceased councillor.
Proper Display of the Flag
Display of the flag is a sign of respect and love of the town. The flag should not be flown in bad weather. The flag may be displayed on any day when weather permits and especially on national, provincial and the town’s civic holiday. The flag may be flown from polling stations.
The flag should never be allowed to become soiled or torn or to be abused in any way, whether in use or storage. No writing, picture or other mark should be placed on the flag. Where possible, the flag should be taken down every night. Never store a wet or damp flag; spread it out until dry. If soiled, the flag may be safely hand washed using any domestic soap or detergent which does not contain bleach. If lightly frayed or torn, the flag should be repaired at once. When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
– Text by Gord Pike