University of Idaho - Gem of the Mountains Yearbook (Moscow, ID)

Page 3 text:

s in the earlier Great Seal of State, drawn by Miss Emma Edwards, the redesigned seal of Idaho, painted in 1957 by Paul B. Evans, illustrates the principal resources and industries of the gem state, under the Latin motto, “Esto Perpetua” — “It is Forever.” Dressed in white and standing beside some wild syringa, the state flower, the figure of the woman is equally prominent in the seal as that of the man, signifying her equal importance in a state where woman's suffrage came early, She holds the scales, the symbol of justice, and liberty and freedom are suggested by the liberty cap at the point of her spear. Because mining was at first the chief industry, the figure of the man is dressed as a miner, with a pick and shovel, and stands with pieces of ore scattered at his feet. Symbolizing the agricultural and horticultural resources, cornucopias of fruit and vegetables pour forth their abundance, with a sheaf of grain between them, and in the shield above a husbandman is shown plowing. Idaho Laws, 1890-91: General Laws of the State of Idaho. Passed at the First Session of the State Legislature, Convened on the Eighth Day of December, A.D. 1890, and Adjourned on the Fourteen the Day of March, A. D. 1891, at Boise City. Approved March 14, 1891