All Hail Milwaukee’s New City Flag
Robert Lenz’s creation is the winner. Will Common Council make it the city’s official flag?
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Robert Lenz’s creation is the winner. Will Common Council make it the city’s official flag? Back to the full article.
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Well, after doing a half eye-roll when first hearing about this independent process, and then liking the two “star” banners most of the five finalists, I have to say that I really like this selection and hope the City adopts it.
It’s simplicity belies the rich symbolism behind it. And, I sure that, as Lenz suggests, the patina of symbolism will become more burnished over time.
Will I add it to my tattoo collection? Doubtful. Will I wear it on a cap or t-shirt? More than likely. More so that the occasional tourism slogans cities and states adopt, I believe this has staying power.
“The house of the rising sun”?
The one with the chevrons was much more dignified.
Don’t like it. At all. Looks too authoritarian to me. If they need to do anything, (I think the current flag is great and should be left alone), they should just use a small portion of the old flag and enlarge it. (The portion to be enlarged is the upper right quadrant of the geared wheel, to the right of the Indian. It looks like a guy in a flying saucer. That is way cool. Milwaukee should own that flying saucer).
I’m sticking with the old school one. I firmly believe its so bad that its good. This one looks like the Obama logo.
What’s wrong with just using the flag in the lower left quad?
Before reading explanations of the symbol nods, my first thought was that the lines suggested both transit (roads with bike lanes or perhaps rail paths; or it could represent a bridge) and the “equals” sign. Both seem appropriately aspirational for Milwaukee at this moment without the likelihood of becoming dated. I also appreciate the other refs the designer had in mind.
I admit I was not sure if a flag would have much impact but I’m on board. (And hey, the retro one can still live on “unofficially” if a new one is approved, like the old Brewer’s glove-and-ball logo, the best!)
Now let’s talk about reviving the slogan “A Great City on a Great Lake”!
Laura, can you tell us more about Robert Lenz and how he decided to submit a design?
All in all, it seems like it has been a productive process. Kudos to all!
this is a perfect example of time, talent and money wasted to create an outcome that is in no way better than the existing situation. our society does this over and over and over etc. we need to put our limited talents and resources to work on real problems and solve them with relevant solutions. help us all.
To this former Milwaukeean, It doesn’t say anything to me. Kind of pretty in a way, but if I had no idea what it was about, I’d STILL have no idea what it was about.
Looks like something dreamed up by a committee in a room with a long table on some upper floor.
And don’t get me wrong. The old flag is clunky and awful. I never liked it.
I like it. It’s the flag I chose of the group. I the natural setting depiction, our great lake and the wonderful moon rises. Okay!
A more boring design could not have been found. What about this says anything Milwaukee? Granted, current flag is a bit dated, but this is so bland beyond belief.
The purpose of a national flag is about uniting people into one nation in patriotic spirit. This does not seem the purpose of a municipal flag (if there even is one), which may be closer to establishing a “brand” in marketing sense. The old flag at least acknowledges what Milwaukee is (or was) about. Quick, how many other great city flags can you name?
In April 1898 Milwaukeean John Amberg won a contest for the design of a Milwaukee civic flag sponsored by the Milwaukee Journal. Mayor Rauschenberger, a Mrs. Ely and John Johnston were the judges. Like the current winner, Amberg created a very simple graphic design with the motto “Steady Progress”, but also included the name “Milwaukee” at the bottom. I’m not sure if there is reference in one of the local papers, I found a detailed article with portrait and the design in a Chicago paper. (19th Century U.S. Newspapers site)
Clark David- Baltimore, Detroit, NYC and Chicago have flags that are classy and residents take pride in and visitors recognize.
As Casey noted, Chicago’s flag is very popular among residents:
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/The-312/August-2013/Chicago-City-Flag/
“There’s a website devoted to pictures of Chicago Flag Tattoos. The flag is on T-shirts, hats, messenger bags, guitars, golf balls, coffee mugs, pillows, shower curtains and bars of soap. Sometimes, the standard is distorted into new shapes—shamrocks, hearts, pizza slices—or its stars are replaced with sports logos.”
Chicago’s love of their flag could be just a fluke but anything that promotes pride in MKE could be a good thing.
Here are ones Casey mentioned not included in the linked article:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Baltimore
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Detroit