For more than two decades, the Dragoo Family Association's official logo has been a familiar symbol of the traditions that have brought us together since its introduction in 2003. As the DFA approaches its 40th anniversary, we are looking toward the future while remaining deeply rooted in the history that has shaped our Association. 

You may have recently noticed a subtle change in the appearance of the DFA logo. Its design has been carefully reinterpreted in a traditional woodcut style, with softer, more muted colors that evoke the warmth and character of our family's beginnings in America. This derivative artistic treatment retains the original elements of the Dragoo Family Association logo, which remains protected under the Association's existing U.S. Copyright Registration (No. VA 2-194-827). The changes in color and artistic style do not alter or diminish that copyright protection. Rather, they give our familiar emblem a more historical appearance, reflecting our commitment to preserving the stories and traditions of generations past.

This updated presentation is also part of a larger vision for the DFA's future. As we prepare to celebrate forty years of preserving Dragoo family history, we are beginning to explore a new logo design that will carry the DFA into its next chapter. The woodcut interpretation of our familiar emblem serves as a natural bridge between the Association's established traditions and the possibilities ahead. It allows us to honor the symbol that has represented us for more than twenty years while gradually introducing a fresh perspective on how we present our family heritage.

Our official emblem remains an important and valued part of the DFA's history and identity. Its meaning has not changed, nor has our commitment to the generations of family members whose dedication built this Association. Just as our family history continues to grow with each new generation, the ways in which we celebrate and represent that history may also evolve.

As we approach this important milestone, we hope members will embrace this thoughtful evolution as a celebration of both where we have been and where we are going. The Dragoo Family Association's greatest legacy has never rested in a single image, but in the people, stories, and enduring family connections that give that image its meaning.

     The official logo of the Dragoo Family Association originated in 2003, when the Association sponsored a design contest inviting members to submit artwork representing our shared family heritage. The winning design, created by DFA member Carol Van Sickle, was selected by a mail-in vote of the membership. Featuring a sailing ship bearing three flags representing the family's French, English, and American connections, the emblem was adopted as a symbol of the Association.

In 2004, Carol's original design was slightly modified for use in an Association fundraising project. This version first appeared in the April–June 2004 issue of the DFA newsletter (Volume 16, Number 2). Over the following years, the ship logo became a familiar feature of official Association materials, including letterhead stationery, reunion programs, reunion planners, coffee mugs, T-shirts, and tote bags. It also appeared in publications and other materials associated with the DFA's work. Members were encouraged to use it to help promote the DFA.

At the 2018 DFA reunion in Walla Walla, Washington, concerns arose when it was discovered that nonmembers were using the logo in online postings and that some were claiming ownership of it. During the Executive Committee meeting, outgoing President Alan Dragoo appointed Vi Parsons and Violet Moore to research the emblem's history and pursue formal copyright registration on behalf of the Association. Their work involved documenting the original 2003 design contest, Carol Van Sickle's winning entry, and the Association's continuous use of the emblem since that time.

On January 16, 2020, the copyright registration application was submitted, accompanied by documentation establishing the logo's history and use from 2003 through 2020. The application was approved on March 9, 2020, with 2003 recognized as the original year of creation. Following registration, the copyright notice ©2003 was added to the ship emblem. However, under U.S. copyright law, displaying this notice is not required to maintain the Association's copyright protection, and its omission from subsequent artistic interpretations does not diminish the protection afforded to the original design.

The efforts of Vi Parsons and Violet Moore helped preserve an important part of the Association's identity and establish a documented record of its ownership and historical use. Their work also recognized the contribution of Carol Van Sickle, whose original design had represented the DFA for nearly seventeen years by the time registration was completed.

The logo's history reflects not only the creativity of its original designer but also the participation of the membership that selected it.

     As the Dragoo Family Association approaches its 40th anniversary, many members have expressed a desire for a new logo to represent the DFA in the years ahead. Our familiar emblem has been part of our shared heritage for more than two decades, and this milestone offers a wonderful opportunity to honor that history while welcoming a new chapter.

The DFA has always been shaped by the people who care about its history and its future. As we explore the possibilities for a new logo, our members will have an opportunity to share their thoughts and have a voice in the selection of the final design. Together, we will create a symbol that celebrates where we've been and carries our family heritage beautifully into the next forty years.

Official U.S. Copyright Registration

The Dragoo Family Association logo was registered with the United States Copyright Office in 2003 (Registration No. VA 2-194-827). The certificate identifies the Dragoo Family Association as the copyright claimant. Shown above is an excerpt from the original registration certificate.