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City of Kitchener Crests and Seals fonds 1916-2010
Prepared by: Hilda Sturm
October 2012
CITY OF KITCHENER CRESTS AND SEALS fonds - 1854 - 1916. - 1 cm of textual
records, 10 photographs.
The crest of a city or municipality is a symbol unique to the corporation and is
used as seals to authenticate documents of the corporation. For Berlin/Kitchener, the
crest has included a beaver, the symbol of industry and the crown, the symbol of British
sovereignty since Berlin's incorporation as a village in 1854.
The first crest featured the beaver which symbolized industry, the crown
symbolized loyalty to the Queen, the axe and saw which paid tribute to the pioneers and
the locomotive, which stood for a bright future. This crest was used until 1912 when
Cityhood was declared.
Upon cityhood in 1912, the then Mayor, William H. Schmalz designed a new
crest. He retained the crown and the beaver of the original crest and added the oak and
maple leaves. The oak leaves are a symbol of strength and character and the maple
leaves are a Canadian symbol.
In 1916, at the time of the name change to Kitchener, the crest was modified by
having "Kitchener" replace "Berlin", "1916" replace "1912" and "Ontario" to replace
"Canada".
The crest is also the official seal of the City. It represents the heritage of the city
and symbolizes the incorporation of Kitchener as a city. The crest is used on all official
documents which include documents that require an official seal and for Office of the
Mayor and Council and City Clerk's use. The flag featuring the crest can only be used
at City Hall and is the only flag to be flown at City Hall in addition to the Canadian and
Provincial flags.
Kitchener has adopted the clock tower encompassed by an ellipse as its logo.
The clock tower is an historic icon of the city and symbolized the history of Kitchener
and the commitment to preserving its heritage. The ellipse portrays forward movement
showing Kitchener as a progressive global community. This corporate logo is a strong
representation of the character of the city. A modern, progressive community that
embraces its rich and proud heritage.
This fonds consist of correspondence and photographs. The records consist of two
series.
Title based on contents of fonds.
Records transferred Archives.
1: Correspondence - 1912 - 1916. 1 cm
This series consists of correspondence regarding the history of the crests and
seals of the City of Berliln/Kitchener
An index is available in Appendix A.
2: Photographs - 2012. 10 photographs
This series consists of photographs of the date stones, crests from the walls on the
Duke Street side of City Hall.
An index is available in Appendix B.
3: Artifacts - 2012. 1 flag
This series consists of the flag with the crest on it.
An index is available in Appendix C.
Appendix A
Series 1: Correspondence
Title Date Volume/Item Box
History of the crest 1926-2000 1-1 10911
History of Mayor 1990's 1-2 10911
Schmalz and the
crest
Appendix B
Series 3: Photographs
Title Date Volume/Item Box
Reproductions of 1990-2004 1-3 10911
the seals and crest
Photographs of the 1-4 10911
crest and date
stones
Appendix C
Series 3: Artifacts
Title Date Volume/Item Box
Flag 1990's 2-1 14191