The Simon and Vada A. Newland Collection

The Newland family history in America began on July 1, 1923, when the Holland America ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, arrived at Ellis Island. George Newland, wife Remy, and son Simon—age 8 and the oldest of then four children—traveled first to Yakima and shortly thereafter settled in Everett, WA.

George originally partnered in the construction business with another Dutchman named Vandemeer. In 1945, in partnership with Simon, they founded Newland Construction Company.

While a senior at Everett High School, Simon made the acquaintance of a sophomore named Vada Ramsdell. Following their graduation, they remained in contact, and in 1939 were married. They raised a daughter and two sons. In the formative years of Newland Construction, Simon directed field operations, and Vada handled bookkeeping and correspondence. Both were active in the Everett community, supporting non-profit and cultural endeavors. They were accomplished dancers and devoted opera fans, often traveling to Seattle and Vancouver B.C. for concerts.

Interest in design and architecture were a natural outgrowth of Simon and Vada’s work in the construction industry. The Simon and Vada A. Newland endowment at the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation was established in their memory by their son, Peter, and helps support the library collection with materials focused on architecture, urban design, and related topics.