The Flemish-American Club directors at a recent board meeting voted to renovate the historic and iconic Windmill Sign that stands on their property at 313 N. Burr Blvd.
The cost of the project, which is to include making the sign spin again and reinstalling the neon lighting on it, is estimated at $15,000. Club officials are planning a campaign to raise the money, according to Mark Mikenas, club director.
The sign dates back as far as the late 1930s, when it stood on Stokes Street at the home of Frank and Anna Lippens and their attached bar/ballroom The Belgian Village. Eventually the sign would be relocated to its present-day site on Burr Boulevard.
The organization began in 1933 to accommodate the large number of Flemish-speaking people who came to Kewanee for jobs and a better life than the northern area of Belgium where the Flemish dialect was spoken.
It held meetings in various locations including the Wooden Shoe Club, Odd Fellows Hall and Alcazar tavern and grill in the early years.
The current Flemish-American Club was constructed in 1948 and expanded to its current size in 1961. It was during those early years the sign made its journey from the Lippens Belgian Village to the Flemish American Club.
Today the clubroom is used by thousands of people for dances, receptions, fundraisers, benefits and community events, as it is one of the largest venues in Kewanee.
The sign renovation will replace the long gone and broken neon tubes and new motors so the paddles will again spin as they once did.
The bottom portion will be updated as well and when completed it will be hoisted to the Southeast corner of the building to shine brightly and once again become an iconic beacon inviting everyone to the Club
Some donations have already been received and a donation jar is currently on the bar at the club. A few fundraisers and events to help raise the estimated $15,000 needed to renovate and repair the sign are being planned.
Anyone that donates $100 or more will receive a packet that includes four free drinks as a thank you.
Board President Bonnie Ince said, “If everyone who has ever hosted or attended an event or dance at the Flemish Club donated just a few dollars we would reach our goal in no time and see this beautiful sign once again shine in its full glory.”
Donations can be sent or dropped off at the club, 313 N. Burr Blvd. and should be marked for the Windmill Sign Fund.
For more information, contact Mikenas at 309-854-2036.
