Compiled by Marvin W. Bubie
Mankind has always developed symbols that relate to location, nationality, family, etc. Over the centuries in Europe a set of rules developed around heraldry, primarily through rank and privilege and especially with monarchies.
What happens when people came to America, and there was no monarchy and essentially no central authority for municipal symbols?
What happens is what this book is all about. Sometimes the artwork is stunning. Sometimes the meaning is straightforward -- scenic vistas -- and sometimes the symbolism is complex and intricate.We are the freest people in the world, and we take it quite for granted that if we want a seal for our town, village, etc., we are perfectly free to hold a contest. The local board of supervisors or common council or town board then selects one of the entries, and we proudly display it on municipal vehicles, letterheads, in our courtrooms and sometimes on police and firefighter patches.
To me, they are emblems of our everyday freedom.
MARVIN BUBIE was born and raised in the Capital District, graduating from Averill Park High School and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a retiree from General Electric and has lived in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Virginia.In addition, he spent eighteen months in Germany with the U.S. Army and has returned to Europe many times visiting Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany. Over the years he has collected the seals f rom various cities, towns, count ies, boroughs and villages in this country as well as those in Europe. Each seal is a mini-history lesson and a collection all relating to a common heritage tell of a reverence for that heritage. The seals that contain a reference to the Dutch seem to indicate we owe a lot more to the Dutch than is commonly taught.
"Marvin Bubie's interest in the history and iconography of county, city and town seals of New York State led him to create this wonderful volume. The artwork on these seals allows us a brief introduction to the political, economic and social structure of these communities largely bordering the Hudson River. As we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery, we can be grateful to Mr. Bubie for compiling this information for future generations to learn from and enjoy."
-Kathryn Sheehan, Rensselaer County Historian
