In anticipation of the new wayfinding signage coming to Planting Fields, this month we look back at the historic logos used to represent Planting Fields. The relief above the front door depicting sunflowers, pumpkins, and ears of corn inscribed with the name Planting Fields served as the official letterhead during the early days of the foundation.
Planting Fields Foundation, early letterhead, 1980, Planting Fields Foundation Archives
In 1996, the last time new signage was created for the site, a stylized Tudor Rose became the symbol of Planting Fields. The Tudor Rose is a combination of the white rose of the House of York and the red rose of the House of Lancaster. It was a natural choice at the time as there are many heraldic roses found throughout Coe Hall.
Friends of Planting Fields newsletter, 1996, Planting Fields Foundation Archives
The Icosahedron became the logo of Planting Fields in 2021 and is now the symbol we know and love! An icosahedron is a geometric term for a polyhedron or a three-dimensional object—with 20 triangular faces.
Terrace to walkway to Blue Pool Garden, featuring icosahedrons, photographed by Mattie Edwards Hewitt, circa 1926, Planting Fields Foundation Archives
Header Image: Sign to Coe Hall, circa 1920. Courtesy of the National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.
By Marie Penny, Michael D. Coe Archivist