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The Waterloo Coin Society Logo
It Took a Lot of Meddling
Waterloo Coin Society
Official Logo
On various occasions at both regular and executive meetings, there were discussions on devising an insignia for the Society, and the members were asked to submit sketched suggestions. After great length, Mr. Les Marks, a brave fellow member, submitted the only suggestion received. This was in May 1960, and strangely enough, it flunked the membership's vote for approval.
However, along with the suggested insignia, he also suggested that, if accepted, is should be made into a club medal. This idea took hold very emphatically, and although the design appeared to be unsuccessful, the idea of a medal seemed to gain more momentum than the need for an insignia; but it remained steadfast that whatever design be accepted, it would serve for both.
The Society's executive committee therefore sent out a special letter accompanying its monthly bulletin in June 1960 announcing that every member is invited to participate in an Insignia Suggestion Contest, in which a 1913 gold sovereign would be a prize. Members were asked to submit their ideas of what they thought would be a suitable design. They were told that art talent was of no concern -- just scratch your noodles and submit ideas -- as many as you wish.
Original sketch produced
by designer Les Marks;
An early version
At the regular meeting of June 14, 1960, over 30 sketches were recieved; and each was voted on individually by a showing of hands (after all members present were given ample time to view and consider them); and, by golly Les' original drawing stole the gold sovereign by a wide margin.
But something was still not just right, so, after more jibbering and more noodle-scratching, the executive members, in July 1960, prescribed the manner in which his drawing should be revised. A meeting then took place in the designer's home, between himself, Mr. William English and Mr. Frank Uttley, and an agreement was unanimous for a final design. We want to emphasize, however, that Mr. Marks' basic design remained the same, and our hats are off to him for a mighty fine piece of work.
The above is taken from a summary entitled "The Story Behind Our Waterloo Coin Society Medal" originally prepared for the Waterloo Coin Society's second annual banquet in 1961.
About Les Marks - The Designer of our Logo
Logo designer Les Marks
in military uniform
Original sketch produced
by designer Les Marks;
More-or-less final version
Les Marks lived in Brantford until 1939. He has always been interested in art and design but had no opportunity to study seriously until starting a correspondence course in 1939. He had to give this up due to World War II when he joined the 54th Field Regiment at Brantford, Ontario, followed by 6 years service (3-½ years overseas in England and the continent). In 1944 he was commissioned, and in September 1945 he was discharged, the war having ended.
Finally, Les seized the opportunity to take an apprenticeship (under the Department of Veterans' Affairs) in commercial art with Merchants Printing Co., Kitchener. Four years later he began a sales career and became sales representative for Warwick Marking Products, Sanderson Smith Press, and Kraft Tapes of London. During representation of these firms, he found his apprenticeship in art a decided asset and did a considerable amount of designing and art work for all three firms.
1913C Gold Sovereign,
prize for winning design
Some of his achievements include the designing of quite a few centenary celebration wooden nickels; these including Kitchener and Waterloo. He also designed and invented a "survey monument marker" which is now in use all across Canada, and a number of other items.
Having been approached by Mr. William English and Mr. Frank Uttley on behalf of the Waterloo Coin Society, with regards to a club insignia, he tackled the job willingly, suggested producing a medal, and then followed through to completion, winning the design award presented by the Society in October, 1960.
Les Marks continued his work with both Warwick Marking Products of Kitchener and Kraft Tapes of London while still carrying on his military career. He attained the position of Second-in-Command of the Scots Fusiliers of Canada (now the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada).
The above is taken from a summary entitled "An Introduction to the Designer of our Medal - Mr. Les Marks" originally prepared for the Waterloo Coin Society's second annual banquet in 1961.
Additional Club Logos
Simplified Logo for Woods
The Waterloo Coin Society from time to time issues wooden tokens and the official logo does not render properly on this medium. Woods cannot use a greyscale design and instead need a black and white, simplified design. As such, one was created and is used exclusively for this purpose. It has appeared on at least five distinct woods since 2009, starting with our 50th anniversary banquet wood.
Cambridge Coin Show
In 2014, the Waterloo Coin Society began hosting the Cambridge Coin Show after acquiring it from the Cambridge Coin Club who were winding down operations. In 2023, the Society decided to create a logo for the show to further establish its branding and image. This logo was designed by Brent W.J. Mackie and was chosen from among several other designs as part of a competition held in 2023.
50th Anniversary Banquet (2009)
In 2009, the Waterloo Coin Society celebrated its 50th anniversary - a monumental occasion! Part of the celebrations included a banquet on September 29. A wood was issued and handed out to banquet attendees. The reverse design on this wood might be the closest thing we have to a logo marking our 50th anniversary. This logo was designed by Brent W.J. Mackie, then vice-president of the club.
60th Anniversary (2019)
Ten years later, Waterloo Coin Society's 60th anniversary rolled around. The executive commissioned Karen Dailous to design a logo which appeared in various places including two club-issued woods and at least four other member-issued woods. The logo was also featured in the newsletter on multiple occasions.
65th Anniversary (2024)
Announced a year ahead of time, a logo design competition was held to create a logo for the club's 65th anniversary. The prize would be a 1/10 oz gold coin. Four entrants submitted eight designs for consideration. The executive committee deliberated for over an hour before ultimately selecting this design submitted by Treasurer Brent W.J. Mackie. The design includes an image of a one cent coin bearing the date of 1959 and a one dollar coin bearing the date 2024. These coins represent not just the ecomonic inflation over 65 years, but the growth of our club over this time. Waterloo Coin Society is stronger than ever before with our highest ever membership count.
© Copyright 2009-2024
Waterloo Coin Society
Waterloo Coin Society
P.O. Box 40044, RPO Waterloo Square
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2J 4V1
secretary@waterloocoinsociety.com