BICENTENNIAL LOGO

Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald

BICENTENNIAL LOGO. James R. McMahon, son of Mr. and Mrs. David McMahon, was notified on December 14, 1974 that his red, white, and blue symbol depicting a rising sun, [JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]], and the grave of Julien DUBUQUE that his design was chosen out of 35 submitted to be Dubuque's bicentennial logo. The contest was sponsored by the JAYCEES and the announcement resulted in Dubuque being the only city in the state to have such a symbol. When he submitted his entry McMahon stated:

                    This emblem portrays Dubuque as a city which is formed 
                    upon the bluffed riverbanks of the mighty Mississippi; 
                    a city built on the very land that our country’s founding 
                    fathers fought on 200 years ago. The landmarks which are 
                    represented are dedicated to our city’s founder, Julien 
                    Dubuque.
                   
                    At the time of our country’s bicentennial celebration, 
                    Dubuque continues to be a city of hope, as is symbolized 
                    by the rising sun. Its residents are building not only on 
                    our predecessors’ land, but upon their virtues as well.

In 1976 the Telegraph Herald reported that the Dubuque bicentennial symbol, carried on city stationery, lapel pins, and billboards was available for "purposes in good taste and in keeping with the bicentennial.

---

Source:

Hogstrom, Erik, "In 1974, Local Students Submits Winning Design for Dubuque's Bicentennial Logo," Telegraph Herald, December 12, 2024, p. 5A