The Ridley Rabbit Hole: The Crest We Wear
By The Tiger Times Head Archivist Ms. Kelly Neill ‘81
Join us as we tumble down into the Ridley Rabbit Hole and share facts and stories from the Archives.
Questions? Feel free to email kelly_neill@ridleycollege.com
Chances are most students don their blazers, sweaters and sports jerseys with very little thought of the symbolic crest that covers their heart. It is important to know that the four quartered shield represents more than a heraldic insignia and was created with intent and meaningful imagery, dating back to 1888 when our first Headmaster presented his design to the Board of Directors.
At the top, a beaver floats above an orange and black band. The beaver, an official Canadian symbol since 1975, acknowledges the historical and indigenous value that this animal played in the economic development of Canada.The orange and black detailing below held the romantic sentiment of the dress colours that J.O.Miller’s love interest wore on the night that they were introduced (unbeknownst to the board of directors).
Chances are most students don their blazers, sweaters and sports jerseys with very little thought of the symbolic crest that covers their heart. It is important to know that the four quartered shield represents more than a heraldic insignia and was created with intent and meaningful imagery, dating back to 1888 when our first Headmaster presented his design to the Board of Directors.
At the top, a beaver floats above an orange and black band. The beaver, an official Canadian symbol since 1975, acknowledges the historical and indigenous value that this animal played in the economic development of Canada.The orange and black detailing below held the romantic sentiment of the dress colours that J.O.Miller’s love interest wore on the night that they were introduced (unbeknownst to the board of directors).
The crest became central to the design of many objects including cricket blazers, caps, badges, stationary, trophies and architectural design and a wonderful stone reproduction is featured above the doorway into School House.
The crest lives on, albeit not often used in full colour as originally designed, and acts as a reminder of our school’s historical links to the past, a shared connection to fellow Ridleians since 1889 and the hopes that you wear your crest with pride and forever affection for a place we all call home – Ridley!
