The obverse of the medal is an adaptation of the design symbolizing Cleveland used during the 175th birthday of the city. It was designed by Bernice Kochan, Cleveland artist, who won the Governor’s Award for designing two postage stamps and for the TB Christmas seal in 1969. Superimposed on the 1971 design is the official emblem of the American Revolution Bicentennial.
Obverse lettering
CLEVELAND CELEBRATES
THE UNITED STATES BICENTENNIAL
1776
1976
Obverse script
Latin
Reverse description
The face shows the “Spirit of ‘76” — a sculptured version of the masterpiece painting by Archibald M. Willard. The wording “Cleveland — the City with the Spirit of ‘76” is a reminder that the painting is located in Cleveland’s City Hall, and that Willard lived and painted in Cleveland. He executed the original for exhibition at the International Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 in a fourth-floor studio at 308 Euclid Avenue, where he and a handful of artist friends started the first life class in Cleveland.
Reverse lettering
CLEVELAND
THE CITY WITH THE SPIRIT OF ‘76
Reverse script
Latin
Engraver
Medallic Art Company, Danbury, United States (1972-1991)
