DAYTON, Ohio – For the first time in more than 60 years, the city of Dayton is making an effort to redesign its flag.
- Dayton's first flag was unveiled in 1917, the second in 1958
- Beginning Oct. 1 submissions will be accepted to help pick a new flag
- Public vote will help decide, the new flag could be unveiled in Spring 2020
Sheldon Cooper would be proud.
Dayton's first flag was designed in 1917; it was updated in 1958. Both flags contained the famous Wright Flyer – the iconic aircraft made by the Wright Brothers. The most recent version of the flag also contained a gear symbol in a nod to the city's manufacturing base.
"We're just very different than we were in 1958 and that's not bashing the current design," said Maggie Schaller, Legislative Aide for the City Commission Office. "I think it's understanding that if we're going to have something that represents us we want it to be representing who we are now as well as understanding that we're more than just airplanes and manufacturing. There's something deeper; there's something grittier, there's something richer."
Schaller is leading the project, and a 20-person steering committee will guide the process.
A contest will open Oct. 1 to anyone who wants to submit an idea. Criteria are listed on the city's website, but most importantly, the new flag must conform to themes, colors, and values set forth by the committee. It must also follow flag standards set forth by the North American Vexillological Association.
"We'll have a two-month process to have as many submissions as humanly possible and to kind of encourage as much of that as possible. And then our steering committee will come together and narrow those down to a top ten."
Eventually, the group will decide on a top-three which will then go to a public vote. Schaller said the committee has the final say on the flag.
The idea to redesign the city's flag started last year when Mayor Nan Whaley listened to a Ted Talk by Roman Mars.
"I think the Mayor saw an opportunity for a city that has continued to change and evolve over the last, especially, ten years as we find our identity again from the city that Dayton used to be."
With recent events in Dayton, the idea to redesign the flag is timely.
"The beautiful thing about flags is they can inspire unity; they can inspire a sense of togetherness in a way, because of the symbolism, that almost nothing else can."
It's hard to find Dayton's flag in the city. Aside from City Hall and the library, it's not overly visible. Jimmie's Ladder 11, a restaurant on Brown Street, proudly flies the flag. And the entrance to the Old North Neighborhood, along with several other flags, also flies the Dayton flag.
"If you don't see the flag anywhere, it's probably not a good thing."
The civic-minded project, if all goes according to plan, could see a new flag unveiled next spring.
Schaller referenced other cities with flags that use it as a marketing tool. She said the city hopes that a new flag may create opportunities for Dayton.