The Original CCHS Logo Designed by Pirie MacDonald
In 1916, the Daughters of the Columbia County Historical Society intended upon a logo, and as luck would have it, New York artist Pirie MacDonald was married to one of the original c.1917 members: Hudson native Ms. Emilie Van Dusen. MacDonald apprenticed in Frank Forshew’s Hudson photography studio during that medium’s earliest moments, then opened his own photo studio first in Albany and finally in New York City. Best known as a portrait photographer; a comprehensive body of his work is now found in the permanent collection of the New-York Historical Society.
The fourth member (in 1919) of the Historical Society’s “Mens’ Auxillary”, Pirie MacDonald was active throughout the 1920s, as the organization became co-ed. He was instrumental in fine-tuning the Constitution, the By-Laws, and in the original CCHS search for a ‘House of History’.
The Daughters of Columbia County Historical Society had already chosen the date of their formal inception to fall on the anniversary of Hendrick Hudson’s discovery of the Hudson River—4 April—and following this theme our founders chose Hudson’s Dutch ship, the Halve Maen, as their symbolic icon.
In his bold drawn outlines, MacDonald seems to nod at one of his contemporaries, visual artist George Rouault (1871-1958), stylistically known for his painted illusion of lead channels in the definition of his figurative images. Or perhaps MacDonald was simply inspired by the integrated design element of leaded-glass found in the works of his New York contemporary, Louis Comfort Tiffany. MacDonald worked in New York during the era of Tiffany, and was likely inspired by the designer’s leaded-glass as well as the flat, solid-color areas found in the enamel objects produced in Tiffany’s studio. Both artists exhibited at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904) representing New York in St. Louis.
Lyrical “lead channels” in MacDonald’s design impart a bold and buoyant symbol, sophisticated in its simplicity. His design for the original gold and enamel membership pin possesses strength and durability that resonates more than one-hundred years later.
While several other organizations have employed versions of the Half Moon, Pirie MacDonald’s version is unique in its point of view and its execution. In the original logo, the designer has posed the sloop as viewed from behind, in a dynamic three-quarter position rather than in profile, creating the illusion of movement and deeper space. Bold lines outline and emphasize sensuous curves of the boat’s sails and bow; she is animated upon the waves.
The Daughters of Columbia County Historical Society wore gold pins in the enameled colors named in their 1916 “By-Laws”, Article VI: “The colors of the society shall be Blue and Gold”. Three pennants atop the sails in a 1919 Pirie MacDonald-designed silk banner held in the CCHS collection are also colored a pale blue hue.
Pirie MacDonald’s simple, graphic line drawing was emblazoned on Columbia County Historical Society bulletins and newsletters throughout the first fifty years, and the design was set within a medallion on our 1924 incorporation seal. Sometime during the mid-late 20th century the original logo was retired, relegated to the Historical Society's archives.
In late 2015, as we began preparations for our centennial celebrations, the original logo design became our own classic to revive. The subject of the Half Moon is as relevant today as it was in 1916. Reminiscences of the Halve Maen sloop are now both contemporary and historic: the 1989 Dutch replica Half Moon docked in the City of Hudson four days in 2009, during dedication ceremonies for Henry Hudson Waterfront Park, highlighting the celebration of the Quadricentennial anniversary of the explorer’s discovery of the eponymously named River. The simple and elegant graphic design by MacDonald is as fresh and evocative today as it was when it was created more than a century ago.
The fourth member (in 1919) of the Historical Society’s “Mens’ Auxillary”, Pirie MacDonald was active throughout the 1920s, as the organization became co-ed. He was instrumental in fine-tuning the Constitution, the By-Laws, and in the original CCHS search for a ‘House of History’.
The Daughters of Columbia County Historical Society had already chosen the date of their formal inception to fall on the anniversary of Hendrick Hudson’s discovery of the Hudson River—4 April—and following this theme our founders chose Hudson’s Dutch ship, the Halve Maen, as their symbolic icon.
In his bold drawn outlines, MacDonald seems to nod at one of his contemporaries, visual artist George Rouault (1871-1958), stylistically known for his painted illusion of lead channels in the definition of his figurative images. Or perhaps MacDonald was simply inspired by the integrated design element of leaded-glass found in the works of his New York contemporary, Louis Comfort Tiffany. MacDonald worked in New York during the era of Tiffany, and was likely inspired by the designer’s leaded-glass as well as the flat, solid-color areas found in the enamel objects produced in Tiffany’s studio. Both artists exhibited at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904) representing New York in St. Louis.
Lyrical “lead channels” in MacDonald’s design impart a bold and buoyant symbol, sophisticated in its simplicity. His design for the original gold and enamel membership pin possesses strength and durability that resonates more than one-hundred years later.
While several other organizations have employed versions of the Half Moon, Pirie MacDonald’s version is unique in its point of view and its execution. In the original logo, the designer has posed the sloop as viewed from behind, in a dynamic three-quarter position rather than in profile, creating the illusion of movement and deeper space. Bold lines outline and emphasize sensuous curves of the boat’s sails and bow; she is animated upon the waves.
The Daughters of Columbia County Historical Society wore gold pins in the enameled colors named in their 1916 “By-Laws”, Article VI: “The colors of the society shall be Blue and Gold”. Three pennants atop the sails in a 1919 Pirie MacDonald-designed silk banner held in the CCHS collection are also colored a pale blue hue.
Pirie MacDonald’s simple, graphic line drawing was emblazoned on Columbia County Historical Society bulletins and newsletters throughout the first fifty years, and the design was set within a medallion on our 1924 incorporation seal. Sometime during the mid-late 20th century the original logo was retired, relegated to the Historical Society's archives.
In late 2015, as we began preparations for our centennial celebrations, the original logo design became our own classic to revive. The subject of the Half Moon is as relevant today as it was in 1916. Reminiscences of the Halve Maen sloop are now both contemporary and historic: the 1989 Dutch replica Half Moon docked in the City of Hudson four days in 2009, during dedication ceremonies for Henry Hudson Waterfront Park, highlighting the celebration of the Quadricentennial anniversary of the explorer’s discovery of the eponymously named River. The simple and elegant graphic design by MacDonald is as fresh and evocative today as it was when it was created more than a century ago.
Louis Comfprt Tiffany (1848-1933) Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904)
Pirie MacDonald (1867-1942) Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904)
Georges Rouault (1871- 1958)
Pirie MacDonald (1867-1942) Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904)
Georges Rouault (1871- 1958)
