Our Logo

In 2015 the Franklin County Trust selected a logo to represent our organization and our community. We selected the anthemion symbol at left from the central lantern ceiling plaster ornamentation of the old Kentucky State Capitol building. 

The anthemion is a traditional symbol in Greek Architecture, this ancient motif was commonly adapted as a design element over the centuries.  Historically the Anthemion represents a stylized form of the honeysuckle plant, symbolizing welcome, hospitality and prosperity, and commonly represented in doorways and fences at the entrance to homes. 

In Frankfort the symbol was incorporated in the Old State Capitol constructed in 1827-1830. It was the first appearance of the developing Greek Revival style of architecture in the western United States and would help solidify the style to become synonymous with governmental structures.  The plaster in the Old State Capitol is credited to have been installed by Harry Mordecai, a once enslaved man, who became free and established himself as a Bricklayer and Plasterer in early Frankfort and contributed greatly to the build environment of our city. Our logo comes directly from one of the ten anthemion symbols encircling a central medallion on the ceiling of the central lantern of the Old Capitol, once the highest elevation in early Frankfort, and today a National Historic Landmark.  

The Greek Revival and its Classical architectural style have grown from the time of the Old State Capitol to become the preferred from of architecture to represent government from the nation’s highest court to local county courthouses.  This is reflective of the inspiration for our American democracy, based in part on the Greek system of government.  And local architect Gideon Shryock’s preference for the style developed some of the most significant early public structures in Kentucky and beyond.

One does not have to look hard to find this symbol of democracy and hospitality in Frankfort still today.  From iron fences and window grates on Washington Street, to door moldings on the Orlando Brown house, to decorations in the Old State Capitol, this symbol is intracity intertwined with the history of Frankfort.  It represents Frankfort as home to our States democracy, its abstract style depicts the native flora of the state, while hearkening back to an inspiration of our modern form of government.  It represents a form of architecture, adopted to symbolize of our democracy, and the appearance of the architectural style that can trace its expansion to one of our most beloved local historic buildings.  Finally, the anthemion symbol represents the people of Frankfort, a hospitable community who are proud of our history and optimistic about our future. These relationships make the simple Anthemion a representative symbol of our community and the ideal logo for our organization. It now represents our work to promote the preservation of our historic resources and represents our great history, while looking toward our future.