Contest offers chance to make Key history

The current logo of the Longboat Key Historical Society has a few problems.

Sure, the long boat on the logo looks like a true long boat, and the palm tree fits with the theme. But the drawing of the Mistletoe boat looks nothing like the actual Mistletoe. And the conquistador drawing is accurate, but it’s difficult to see that he is a conquistador when he’s shrunk to letterhead size.

“The idea is good, but when you shrink it down to 1-inch-by-1-inch, you can’t tell what the images are,” said Longboat Key Historical Society President Tom Mayers.

The original logo featured the conquistador drawing by itself. But, about five years ago, Historical Society members concluded they didn’t like the image that the conquistador portrayed. So, they designed a new logo using clip art. Since then, the Historical Society’s board of directors discussed a change of logo but never reached an agreement.

Now, the Historical Society is asking the public to submit new logo designs for a contest that will run throughout the summer. The winner will be announced at the Historical Society’s annual Old Time Fish Fry Friday, Oct. 15, at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub. The winner will receive free Historical Society swag, including a one-year membership, T-shirt, tote bag and hat, along with a copy of Ralph Hunter’s “From Calusas to Condominiums.” The board will vote on the winner.

Some hints: The logo should look good at 8-by-10 inches, as well as 2-by-2 inches. The name “Longboat
Key Historical Society Inc.” must be included on the logo.

According to Mayers, submissions of all sorts are welcome, both amateur and professional. But, in case you’re thinking of giving the Mistletoe a makeover, you’ve been warned: Mayers has already submitted his design, which uses an actual picture of the vessel.

Submit drawings before Oct. 15 at the Historical Society’s Whitney Beach museum, 6826 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]