325 Poster Series Continues!

Newtown’s 325 Celebration presents the second in a series of 12 Anniversary posters, which was created by Leigh Sheek-Vogel of Turning Point Design + Marketing.

The inspiration for her poster is the founder of Newtown, visionary proprietor William Penn.

“Penn’s decision to embrace Quaker beliefs at the young age of 22, even against his father’s and English society’s approval, spoke to his courage and commitment to religious freedoms,” explained Leigh.

Yet what Leigh finds most impressive about Penn was his unwillingness to force Quaker beliefs upon Pennsylvania. His officials held a variety of ideologies.

His representatives were equally Dutch, German, Finnish and Swede settlers as well as members of the Society of Friends (Quakers).

One of the first counties of Pennsylvania is Bucks County, named after Buckinghamshire, England, the Penn family seat and original home of many of the first settlers.

As a reference to the English origin of Bucks County, Leigh wanted to include a younger image of Penn in England, which is the image on the lower right.The image of Penn on the left is more in line with the founding of Newtown 325 years ago, with his agreement in hand and Native Americans behind him underneath a tree. Penn’s Wood is reflected in the tree imagery.

Penn called the area Sylvania (Latin for woods), which King Charles changed to Pennsylvania in honor of the elder Penn who actually paid for the purchase with repayment of a loan from the King.

The acorns represent the growth of this historic town to the wonderful community that exists in Newtown today. Quaker beliefs still thrive here today among many other religious freedoms. Penn would be pleased.

Leigh Sheek-Vogel is the owner of Turning Point Design + Marketing and has been a graphic designer and marketing specialist for over 27 years. Details and portfolio are available at http://www.turningpointdm.com/.