Learning about Lincoln

Lincoln visit Roosevelt Elementary School - Stan DeHaan (above) delivered a performance as Abraham Lincoln at Roosevelt Elementary School on Feb. 27. DeHaan, who bares an uncanny resemblance to the 16th president, spoke to both the third and fourth grade classes about the life of Lincoln. Photos by Mike Leckband [Click to enlarge]

For the past 17 years, Stan DeHaan has been portraying President Abraham Lincoln. On Feb. 27, 2009, he brought pieces of Lincoln's life to Roosevelt Elementary. He spoke as Lincoln, sharing his love of country, stressing Lincoln's involvement in the Civil War and reciting the Gettysburg Address.

DeHaan was armed with Lincoln's trademark stovetop hat and a history book about the life of Lincoln. One of the pictures in the book was Lincoln's inspiration for the Gettysburg Address.

After his presentation as Lincoln, DeHaan engaged the students in a question- and- answer session. Sharing many of Lincoln's physical attributes, DeHaan demonstrated to the students one those attributes, his hands. DeHaan also gave many of the students a chance to try on his hat. Needless to say, it was hard for the youngsters to fill.

In 1982, DeHaan grew his beard out for a community event, and people started to comment on how much he looked like Lincoln. His daughter then asked if he could come and talk to her third grade class. From then on, he began talking to various groups of all ages across the nation.

In 1994, DeHaan entered a Lincoln look-alike contest in Lincoln, Kan. and won. He is undefeated as a Lincoln impersonator, having won the same contest in 1996, and in 2007, he captured the title in Hodgenville, Ky., the place of Lincoln's birth.

The 70-year old showed that a true love of Lincoln shines through in his portrayal of the 16th president. When DeHaan is not performing as Lincoln, he can be found on his farm near Orange City.