The Laurentian Loon

The Laurentian Loon
Anna Gerhard Arnold, Artist
Full-sized Image

The Laurentian Chapter was formed in 1972, the fiftieth anniversary of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Thirteen years later, in fall, 1985, The Laurentian executive committee decided the chapter should have its own logo. The Winter, 1986, issue of The North Wind (the chapter's newsletter) announced a logo design contest, with a submission deadline 3 months later. The only requirement was that the design be suitable both for black and white use on stationery and newsletter and for color use on an embroidered patch.

Four artists submitted designs. The designs were displayed at the Mudseason Potluck Supper at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton on April 18, 1986. Anna Gerhard Arnold’s loon design (at right) was among the entries. The designs were on display before and during the meal, with discussion and decision scheduled for after supper.

The first speaker during the discussion was Paul Jamieson. He argued eloquently that the loon was the appropriate choice because the loon is more common in the Laurentian region of the Adirondacks than in other areas. This argument persuaded the rest of the members present: no contrary opinions were offered, and Paul’s comments were both the beginning and the end of the discussion.

The Laurentian Loon made its debut in the fall of 1986, appearing on the cover of North Wind and on the Laurentian Chapter patch. The Laurentian Loon has also appeared on T-shirts, sweatshirts, and coffee mugs.

The Laurentian Loon patch is much admired, both by members of the Laurentian Chapter and by members of other chapters. To order a patch, please send a check payable to ADK Laurentian Chapter for $3.50, with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to:

Betsy Tisdale
83 Elm St
Potsdam NY 13676