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Skidmore College
Skidmore History

Skidmore School of Arts

SSA pin SSA Seal

The Young Women's Industrial Club (est. 1903) became the Skidmore School of Arts in August 1911. Lucy Skidmore Scribner designed a pin for the new entity. Though it was not intended as an official school seal, the design was eventually reproduced and used as a logotype.

On September 5, the Saratogian published this item explaining the design:

SaratogianNOTES OF INTEREST FROM THE SKIDMORE SCHOOL OF ARTS

New School Pin.

A new school pin, designed and presented to the faculty members by Mrs. Scribner, has been adopted. It will be generally used hereafter.

The design for the pin shows as a background a wheel from a spinning wheel; upon this is an equilateral triangle for science; upon this a Lyre, symbolizing music; an open book, for learning; and the Caduceus for business. A quaint "S" is entwined through the design.

Caduceus, Mercury's rod, is a wand entwisted by two serpents, borne by Mercury as an ensign of quality and office. On medals the Caduceus is a symbol of good conduct, peace and prosperity. The rod represents power; the serpents, wisdom; and the two wings, diligence and activity.