According to information provided by Lehigh County, the Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society and Historic Benner Mansion Inn presented a new hex sign to the county board of commissioners on Nov. 9.

Chairwoman Amy Zanelli accepted the sign from coordinator Siobhan “Sam” Bennett.

The sign, awarded to show thanks for the county’s continued interest in preserving its Pennsylvania Dutch roots and unique “blumme” image, will be placed in Lehigh County’s Public Hearing Room.

Titled the “Trexler-Benner Lehigh County Hex Sign,” it was designed by both Bennett and artist Eric Claypoole.

Its design reflects the county’s signature “blumme,” a petal or tear drop hexagon flower in the traditional barn star style specific to Lehigh County.

The hex sign’s shape was chosen in honor of Lehigh County’s most notable residents and champions - Gen. Harry C. Trexler and Capt. Nolan P. Benner.

Both men earned their military titles from their time in leadership with the Pennsylvania Quartermaster Corps.

Their duties ranged from tending to the needs of troops stationed during WWI to driving Mack Truck ambulances throughout the war.

Trexler, with his protege Benner, became the founders and executive directors of what is now one of the nation’s largest regional foundations, The Trexler Trust.

This trust benefits both the City of Allentown and Lehigh County while famously co-funding the Allentown’s renowned park system.

Additionally, the trust donated $155 million dollars of charitable investments over the last 80 years.

Benner’s Pennsylvania German roots and his lasting contributions to Lehigh County, along with Gen. Trexler, inspired the design of this Trexler-Benner Hex Sign, which is meant to honor their shared vision and raise awareness on the region’s unique “blumme” hex sign style and the county’s roots in Pennsylvania German history.

An identical barn star will also be permanently mounted on the exterior property line of the Historic Benner Mansion Inn, S. 15th St. Allentown.

Pennsylvania Music Preservation Society Co-founder and Grammy-nominated polka artist Alex Meixner was also present at the virtual event along with Capt. Benner’s grandchildren Linda and Chuck Garretson.

For further information, call or text Siobhan Bennett at 484-560-2810.