The History of the Philadelphia Civic Flag
On March 4, 1681, William Penn is granted the Charter of Pennsylvania from King Charles II. He gained legal ownership to one of the largest private land grants in history. He named the land for his father - Pennsylvania means “Penn’s Woods.”
William Penn is Granted Ownership
1681
On October 29, 1682, William Penn first arrives in what will become the City of Philadelphia. “Philadelphia” is Greek for “Brotherly Love.” Most thoughtfully, Penn named his ship, The Welcome, and his first city in Pennsylvania for Love!
William Penn Arrives in Philadelphia
1682
On February 14, 1874, a new City Seal, designed by Colonel Frank Marx Etting, was adopted. He incorporated the macaronic phrase "Philadelphia Maneto" into the City Seal, combining Greek and Latin to mean "Let brotherly love continue!" This phrase, believed to have been last spoken by a visiting Penn family member, echoes William Penn's original intent for a city founded on love.
Adoption of City Seal
1874
A prominent Philadelphian, Etting served as the Director of Public Schools, Chairman of the Committee to Restore Independence Hall, and Chief of the Historical Department at the 1876 World’s Fair.
In 1869, Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook, an esteemed Presbyterian clergyman and noted entomologist, relocated from Ohio to Philadelphia to lead the Seventh Presbyterian Church, which later became the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church at 37th and Chestnut St. in 1883. McCook served as Vice President of the Academy of Natural Sciences in 1882 and President of the American Entomology Society from 1898 to 1900.
Reverend Dr. Henry C. McCook Moves to Philadelphia
1869
On October 4, 1894, Henry C. McCook is inspired to write to Mayor Edwin Stuart about his original concept regarding the adoption of a City Flag. (ITEM #2) McCook also includes “sketches” and colors for consideration. We see the mayor’s positive response (ITEM #1) directing City Council to consider a “City Flag” (in quotes because it is a novel idea). McCook’s letter is beautifully written and a strong case for a City Flag – worth a read.
McCook Writes to the Mayor
1894
On December 6, 1894, the Committee on Fourth of July Celebration gets to work designing the new City Flag and the new City Flag Ordinance with the able assistance of Henry C. McCook (ITEM #3).
Designing the new City Flag Begins
1894
On March 27, 1895 is the adoption date of the first official City Flag with the official City Seal. Mayor Stuart writes to Henry C. McCook to let him know he has signed the ordinance making the new City Flag official. The mayor thanks McCook for being “the author of the ordinance,” and gives him the mayoral pen he used to sign the letter! Beautiful!
1895
The First Official City Flag is Adopted
In 1908, Philadelphia celebrated its 225th anniversary with Founders' Week, a citywide event that reignited the spirit encapsulated by "Philadelphia Maneto" — "Let Brotherly Love Continue." This significant anniversary highlighted Philadelphia's enduring commitment to community cohesion and mutual respect, inspiring residents to cherish and live out these values.
1908 Founders' Week: Celebrating 225 Years of Philadelphia Maneto
1908
In 1909, McCook authored a significant work on ants titled Ant Communities and How They Are Governed – A Study in Natural Civics. His studies highlighted parallels between insect and human societies, proposing that natural history could offer insights into improving human community structures. McCook's profound interest in the unified structures of ant communities inspired his idea of using a universal connector to unite Philadelphians for the collective good.
McCook Gathers Insights from Nature
1909
On March 27, 2007, the first PHILLY FLAG DAY EVENT was held to celebrate, promote, and unite the city with the PHILALDELPHIA MANETO SPIRIT for the good of all our Citizen Ants!
First Official PHILLY Flag Day Celebration
2007
The first PHILADELPHIA MANETO award was presented at the PHILLY FLAG DAY event to SMOKIN’ JOE FRAZIER for embodying the Philadelphia Maneto Message and putting the message into ACTION! Joe Frazier helped countless Philly Youth at his boxing gym. Sadly, Smokin’ Joe passed away, His son, Marvis, accepted, the award.
The First Maneto Awardee
2012
The four PHILADELPHIA MANETO awards are now presented annually. One for promoting PEACE, one for HOPE, one for JUSTICE and one for PROSPERITY… to let brotherly love continue. Thus, celebrating the full symbolic message displayed upon our Philly Flag – our roadmap to Unity!
Peace, Hope, Justice, and Prosperity Become Maneto Awards
2014
A bronze plaque was installed on the stone plinth of the majestic flagpole atop the Art Museum / Rocky Steps, commemorating the flag’s designer, Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook for all time.
A Plaque for the 120th Anniversary of the First Official City Flag
2015
Cherelle Parker and constituents celebrate with Philadelphia Civic flags as Parker becomes Philadelphia’s 100th mayor and the 1st woman mayor on November 7, 2023.
Mayoral Celebration
2023
April 12, 2024, the Philadelphia Phillies NBL team unveiled their special "City Connect" uniforms, inspired by the Philadelphia civic flag and a “City of Brotherly Love” LOVE patch on the right sleeve.
Flag-Inspired NBL Uniforms
2024
We owe a heartfelt thank you to Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook for gifting us with the Philadelphia Civic Flag, a unique universal connector that unites us all. As we look forward, it's essential not just to "Fly It" but to truly "Live By It!"
Partners For Civic Pride (PFCP) is committed to expanding our outreach and programs, ensuring that the values embedded in our flag continue to inspire and guide Philadelphia in fostering a more connected and cohesive community for generations to come.
Embracing Our Universal Connector
2024 & Beyond
On February 14, 1874, a new City Seal, designed by Colonel Frank Marx Etting, was adopted. He incorporated the macaronic phrase "Philadelphia Maneto" into the City Seal, combining Greek and Latin to mean "Let brotherly love continue!" This phrase, believed to have been last spoken by a visiting Penn family member, echoes William Penn's original intent for a city founded on love.
Adoption of the City Seal
1874
In 1869, Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook, an esteemed Presbyterian clergyman and noted entomologist, relocated from Ohio to Philadelphia to lead the Seventh Presbyterian Church, which later became the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church at 37th and Chestnut St. in 1883. McCook served as Vice President of the Academy of Natural Sciences in 1882 and President of the American Entomology Society from 1898 to 1900.
Reverend Dr. Henry C. McCook Moves to Philadelphia
1869
On October 4, 1894, Henry C. McCook is inspired to write to Mayor Edwin Stuart about his original concept regarding the adoption of a City Flag. (ITEM #2) McCook also includes “sketches” and colors for consideration. We see the mayor’s positive response (ITEM #1) directing City Council to consider a “City Flag” (in quotes because it is a novel idea).
McCook Writes to the Mayor
1894
On March 27, 1895 is the adoption date of the first official City Flag with the official City Seal. Mayor Stuart writes to Henry C. McCook to let him know he has signed the ordinance making the new City Flag official. The mayor thanks McCook for being “the author of the ordinance,” and gives him the mayoral pen he used to sign the letter! Beautiful!
The First Official City Flag is Adopted
1895
In 1908, Philadelphia celebrated its 225th anniversary with Founders' Week, a citywide event that reignited the spirit encapsulated by "Philadelphia Maneto" — "Let Brotherly Love Continue." This significant anniversary highlighted Philadelphia's enduring commitment to community cohesion and mutual respect, inspiring residents to cherish and live out these values.
1908 Founders' Week
1908
In 1909, McCook authored a significant work on ants titled Ant Communities and How They Are Governed – A Study in Natural Civics. His studies highlighted parallels between insect and human societies, proposing that natural history could offer insights into improving human community structures. McCook's profound interest in the unified structures of ant communities inspired his idea of using a universal connector to unite Philadelphians for the collective good.
McCook Gathers Insights from Nature
1909
The first PHILADELPHIA MANETO award was presented at the PHILLY FLAG DAY event to SMOKIN’ JOE FRAZIER for embodying the Philadelphia Maneto Message and putting the message into ACTION! Joe Frazier helped countless Philly Youth at his boxing gym. Sadly, Smokin’ Joe passed away, His son, Marvis, accepted, the award.
The First Maneto Awardee
2012
We owe a heartfelt thank you to Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook for gifting us with the Philadelphia Civic Flag, a unique universal connector that unites us all. As we look forward, it's essential not just to "Fly It" but to truly "Live By It!"
Partners For Civic Pride (PFCP) is committed to expanding our outreach and programs, ensuring that the values embedded in our flag continue to inspire and guide Philadelphia in fostering a more connected and cohesive community for generations to come.
Embracing our Universal Connector
2024 & Beyond
The Visionary Behind the Flag
Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook (1837-1911)
An esteemed entomologist and a revered civic leader, Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook used his deep understanding of natural communities to envision a flag that would unite the city of Philadelphia.
His groundbreaking work, Ant Communities and How They Are Governed: A Study in Natural Civics (Harper & Bros., 1909), inspired his approach to the flag’s design, emphasizing the natural principles of community and governance.
McCook envisioned the flag as a tool to foster civic loyalty and unite the community. Using his formidable artistic skills, he designed a flag that incorporated Philadelphia’s historic seal and its motto, crafting a symbol meant to inspire pride and educate the public about their city’s rich heritage.
Help Keep Philadelphia's Flag Flying High!
Join us in celebrating and promoting Philadelphia's rich history and vibrant community spirit and Pride of Place. Your contributions support our educational programs, community events, and the preservation of our city's symbols.
Let's ensure that every Philadelphian feels proud of our city's flag and what it stands for!
FLY IT AND LIVE BY IT!
