Did you know Rochester, NY had an official flag? The coat of arms in the center is from the Rochester family dating back to 1558, likely from Essex, England. The 3 upward facing crescents represent prosperity and fertility, and the crane bird represents vigilance.
This flag was highly debated before being unveiled first in 1910, and was formally recognized in 1934.
Symbolism:
BLUE: Rochester's water & electric power, from the Genesee River and Lake Ontario.
WHITE: The cleanliness of the city
YELLOW/GOLD: Rochester's financial strength and prosperity.
All of these symbols are ancient in origin, and many stem from the Medieval system. While the flag might not be as recognizable as a symbol of Rochester today, its imagery is a great part of Rochester's history!
