New Canaan clerk briefs commission on history of town logo; members favor ordinance, not charter, for logo rules

Claudia Weber, New Canaan’s town clerk, told Group One of the Charter Revision Commission March 18 that the town logo — the lone tree image used on trucks, shirts and some documents — has evolved over centuries and is distinct from the legal town seal.

Weber said her research found multiple historical versions of the tree logo, including appearances on official stationery as early as 1740 and a seal adopted around the town’s incorporation in 1801. "The logo is believed to represent the lone tree which was a famous landmark... and there's no correct version of the logo," she said, describing how the logo has been used flexibly over time. Weber also confirmed that, as town clerk, she has served as custodian of the official seal and has held the logo for safekeeping.

Commissioners discussed whether to enshrine logo-use restrictions in the charter or leave regulation to a town-council ordinance. Many members said the legal seal — which has specific documentary and statutory functions — belongs in the charter, while logo-use controls are better handled by ordinance or policy because the logo is primarily a branding/communications asset and does not appear elsewhere in the charter.

Christina and others noted public confusion when letterhead or communications use the logo in a way that looks like official town action; commissioners said clearer guidance could reduce misuse. Kathleen Corbett and other members suggested a town-council ordinance to define permitted commercial and political uses and to set enforcement mechanisms if necessary.

Outcome: The group concluded the charter should retain language covering the official town seal and left the logo to be addressed by the town council or by a recommended ordinance rather than by amendment to the charter.