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Article: The `eyes' have it; Some say town seal is outdated now that AO has closed, but most feel it still expresses town's vision as well as its history.
- Article from:
- Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA)
- Article date:
- May 14, 2009
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Worcester Telegram & Gazette. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Mairgread Gray
SOUTHBRIDGE - Southbridge and the American Optical Co. seem forever twinned, as depicted on the town seal. AO employed thousands for many years until it declined, and one department after another slowly closed its doors. Still, the town seal boldly states that Southbridge is "The Eye of the Commonwealth."
At the time the seal was designed in 1916, Worcester was known as "the Heart of the Commonwealth," and many thought Southbridge could be called "the Eye of the Commonwealth" since AO was the largest lens maker in the nation and the town's largest employer.
Claire J. Birtz, a prominent art teacher in Southbridge, painted ...