Historic marker for DeKalb corn winged-ear logo dedicated

DeKALB – One of DeKalb’s most innovative products got a historical marker for its 80th birthday.

The famous DeKalb brand flying corn logo symbolizes DeKalb’s part in game changing agricultural technology, DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association board President Larry Mix said at Wednesday’s ceremony. State and local officials gathered to dedicate the historical marker in Memorial Park in honor of the 80th anniversary of the winged-ear logo of DeKalb hybrid corn. The brand has been owned by Monsanto since 1998, when the company bought the DeKalb Genetics Corp.

“It’s probably one of the most famous symbols of agricultural innovation in the world,” Mix said. “It represents innovation in hybrid corn and other hybrid seed products. It was a brainchild because it captured the imagination of farmers to try a new technological innovation.”

The image of the flying ear of corn captured the idea that hybrid corn could help farmers earn more by producing higher yield corn crops, Mix said.

“That idea, born here in DeKalb, has helped make this city and this county known to farmers around the world.” he said.

William Furry, executive director of the Illinois State Historical Society, called the marker significant.

“Most of the history we have seen written in Springfield and around the state are named after famous politicians. There aren’t many [historic markers] out there dedicated to farmers and agriculture in general,” he said. “We’re very pleased to be a part of this one.”

The historical marker was a year in the making and required intergovernmental cooperation from DeKalb Park District and the city.

“As a community, we are pleased to have the agricultural legacy that we are founded on,” Mayor John Rey said. “It’s an honor to have the winged ear displayed in such a prominent location in DeKalb.”

DAAHA operates exhibits dedicated to showing and honoring Northern Illinois agricultural innovations. A current display features a photographic exhibit of Charles L. Gunn, a corn breeder for DeKalb. The exhibit is at the Nehring Gallery and is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Through the years

1912: A group of farmers, bankers and county officials formed the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association.

1935: The DeKalb logo was printed on company letterhead,

1936: The DeKalb logo made its marketing debut with the slogan “DeKalb Quality Hybrids will be Your Mortgage Lifter.”

1998: Original Monsanto Co. purchases DeKalb Genetics Corp.

2015: The logo is unveiled on a historical market in Memorial Park, downtown DeKalb.