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Sign of the times: Art students brand 'Van Land'
Lorree and Charles Van Velkinburgh and Arvin Van Dyke own the same part of farm ground on Road 9 in rural Quincy. Drawing off their common Dutch heritage, they’ve often joked that the unit should be called ‘Van Land.’
Quincy Valley resident Vickie Myers suggested they put an official claim to the name and erect a sign in front of the property.
One day, Myers ran into Quincy Junior High School’s art teacher, Lisa Silk, while grocery shopping at Akins Harvest Foods. Myers suggested the idea to Silk, who immediately warmed to the possibilities.
“They thought it would be cool to show off their heritage and display it on their own land,” Silk said.
Silk had the members of her advanced art class participate in a contest to see who could come up with the best ‘Van Land’ sign.
“They loved to do it,” Silk said.
After all of the entries were judged, however, the students decided that a combination of the top three designs should be used. The students were awarded with Walmart gift cards and a pizza party after they finished the sign.
“It was neat because lots of kids entered the contest and they decided to combine elements,” Silk said. “It took a lot of time and effort to paint the sign, and the other kids who didn’t win helped to finish it off. It was really a group effort to get it done. They enjoyed it, learned a lot and had a lot of fun.”
In March, the Van Velkinburghs and Van Dyke came to the classroom for a group photo.
“The kids asked questions, and Lorree told them about when she went to the junior high way back when,” Silk said. “She told them about the rules that were enforced then and how they had it easy now. It was neat for the kids to learn some history about Quincy and the junior high. It was a nice situation, merging of two generations.”
