Walpole Town Seal's Creator
by (Mrs.) Edna Buck Field

As there happens to be some discussion of the Town Seal, perhaps it will be of interest if I give the details of the competition, the subject I decided upon, and the means I employed in getting authentic material with which to make up the design.

I was a Junior in the High School when a prize of $25 was offered for the best design for a town seal. The only suggestion offered was, as I remember, that the words "Incorporated 1724" be embodied in the seal.

I found at the Library the "History of Walpole," written by Isaac Newton Lewis, Esq. Through the study of this book, one finds the "Old Saw Mill" the earliest and evidently the only important industrial factor in the life of the town.

Thus it can be seen, that from the time of the earliest settlers, Walpole made use of its industrial opportunities, until, at the present, it has made its place of importance in the manufacturing world. Realizing, then, that through its industries has Walpole gained its greatest recognition, it seemed to me that some symbol of industry would be the most fitting subject to use on a seal for the town, and the saw mill, the first of the many mills erected in the interests of industry, seemed the proper symbol to incorporate in the design.

Having decided upon my subject, it was then necessary to gather information as to the construction of a saw mill.

By studying photographs I gained some knowledge of saw mills in general, but by walking over to Brook Street, and studying the ruins of an old saw mill, built by some of the early inhabitants of Walpole, I obtained a working knowledge of a particular saw mill.

I was then ready to draw the design which I submitted to the committee. Later it was accepted, and the prize awarded.

Last updated 30 October 2000