Town of Chilhowie Seal Design
by
John Paul Jones
The Eight-point Star- The eight-point Star located at the center of the seal is a heraldry device that represents the future. The Star also represents the brightness of Chilhowie future with “rays of hope” radiating from the Star.
The Highway Cross- The cross that radiates out from the star of the future represents Chilhowie’s place as a “Crossroads of the future.” It is also a representation of Chilhowie’s importance as where many roads come together, such as: I-81, Highway 11, State Route 107, Old Stage Road, etc.
The Deer- The Deer represents Chilhowie’s past as a hunting ground for the Native Americans and as a “sportsman’s paradise” now, and in the future. The Deer also illustrates our appreciation of the animals and wildlife that inhabit our community.
The Apple- The Apple represents Chilhowie’s early twentieth-century apple industry and its annual Apple Festival, which has become a fall tradition for many years.
The Wheels of Industry- The Wheels represent Chilhowie’s industry and manufacturing community. The Wheels are meshed together to illustrate our industry working together and providing for our nation, community, and citizens.
The Tobacco Leaf- The Tobacco Leaf represents our farming industry and the generations of farmers who have contributed the harvest of their labors to our community and lives. The Tobacco Leaf also illustrates our appreciation for the environment and nurturing of the land.
1913- The importance of the number Nineteen-Thirteen is illustrated by being located at the top of the arrowhead. Nineteen-Thirteen represents the year that the Town of Chilhowie was first incorporated.
The Arrowhead- The Arrowhead is a representation of Chilhowie’s past. It is a symbol of Chilhowie as an early, ancient community to the Native Americans. Chilhowie is also rich in its archeological heritage, from the unearthing of ancient pottery to the excavation of arrowheads, axes, and other artifacts, Chilhowie has been a community that has “spanned the ages.”
The Laurel Leaves- The Laurel Leaves at the lower portion of the seal represent the time-honored ideas of governance, administration, and fairness that were recognized in the ancient civilized governments of Rome and Greece.
Two Five-Point Stars- The Two Five-Point Stars represent Chilhowie and it’s people as citizens of both the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Outer Seal- The Outer Seal is comprised of the words, “Town of Chilhowie”, and the Cherokee Indian translation “Valley of Many Deer”, encased in two concentric circles. The two concentric circles represent infinity and prosperity.
The Colors of the Seal- Each of the colors of the Seal have a significant meaning. The colors of the Seal are:
Black - Eternity
Yellow - Wisdom
Light Orange - Balance
Gray - Time
Red - Warmth
Green - Nature
Brown - Earth
White - Purity
