The Prairie Landscape

The Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award - 2006


Larry VanDyke

Nominated By The Honorable Howard "Bud" Thompson


Prophetstown


Larry VanDyke

Larry VanDyke, Whiteside County Deputy Sheriff, is honored with the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award for his key role in the creation of Prophetstown's Eclipse Square and Veteran's Memorial Park, which according to Mayor Bud Thompson is "a daily reminder of our rich history." In 1879, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad came to Prophetstown, which meant a healthy, growing economy for the former Indian village. Next to the railroad, the Adams Brothers built the Eclipse Lawnmower Factory to manufacture the first self-sharpening reel-type lawnmower. The depot burned down and the factory was abandoned and demolished in the late 1980s, and in 2001 Mayor Thompson appointed Mr. VanDyke as Chairperson of the committee to design, fund, and build a new Victorian-style park in their place. Mr. VanDyke was leader, organizer, fundraiser, and spokesperson for the effort, dedicating two and a half years to the park's creation. It was dedicated last August and is frequently used and greatly appreciated by the community, commemorating Prophetstown's history not only by location but also by commemorating those residents killed in the course of serving their community and their nation.

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