New Society of the Genesee

Rochester Artist Designs Genesee Society Emblem

Student Wins Prize Contest; To Be Set in Cathedral Window

February 27, 1929, issue of the Democrat and Chronicle

found by

Donovan A. Shilling

An emblem designed by a Rochester student artist has been selected as the symbol of the Society of the Genesee, to be placed in one of the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. John the Devine, now being erected in New York City.

John de Nero, 39 High Street, won first prize in the competition for an emblem that would best represent the spirit of the society.

The Society of the Genesee consists of descendants of pioneer families of the Genesee Valley, and is included among the historical societies whose emblems will be placed in the window of one section of the Cathedral. Lacking a suitable emblem, the society conducted a competition which closed recently.

Junior at Institute

Mr. de Nero is a junior in the school of applied art at Mechanics Institute. He was born in Naples, Italy, and came to this country when 6 years old. His early art training was obtained at Washington Junior High School under Earl Lawrence, an Institute graduate. He was associated with the Eastman Theater as a poster artist before entering the Institute.

The jury of award selecting the emblem consisted of Miss Gertrude R. Herdle, director of the Memorial Art Gallery; Harold Bishop, portrait painter; J. R. Cominsky of the New York Times, and Clifford M. Ulp, director of the art school, Mechanics Institute.

Mr. Ulp, speaking for the jury concerning the selection said: "The judges were unanimous in their selection of Mr. de Nero's emblem. There is a desirable modern note in its conception, and its unusual color scheme is suited for its purpose as a stained glass window. Ten designs were submitted many of which had original treatment and good technical handling. Honorable mention was awarded to that submitted by George Scott Schafer of Elmira. Mr. Schafer was graduated from the Institute last year."

Tepee and Sun

The prize-winning design is circular in shape. The foreground is a conventionalized Indian tepee in bold silhouette against a background of brilliant sun of orange and yellows. Surrounding this design is a circular scroll with the lettering "Society of the Genesee."

Before its final selection, the design was viewed by several artists in New York City who commented favorably on its originality and modern treatment. It will symbolize a society which is now more than thirty years old and which numbers among its metropolitan membership many descendants or members of well known families of Rochester and the Genesee Valley.