Ant alert!
Deere holds company picnics at Campbell’s
Island
Just as many of you will attend a picnic party this summer, so did
Deere employees in the early 1900s.
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This ornate cream pitcher
represents another ruby-red glass item specially made for the "Deere Picnic, July 20,
1907." Photo © 2000 Denny Eilers
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In those days, Deere & Company held
annual picnics for employees and their families at Campbell’s Island on the
Mississippi River in East Moline. These all-day events involved games and prizes, plus
dinner and dancing.
On July 1, 1909, the Tri-City News ran the following story:
"Moline, Ill., June 28 —
Employes (sic) of Deere & Co. and members of their families to a number of 14,607,
enjoyed their annual outing on Campbell’s Island last Thursday. There was a ball game
in the afternoon, which a shop team won from the office force by a score of 6 to 0. The
office force turned the tables on the shop men in a tug of war, winning contrary to the
dope.
"A fine program of races
and other athletic events provided the afternoon amusement and handsome prizes were
awarded the winners. During the dinner and supper hours orchestra music was furnished, and
afternoon and evening there was dancing. The company not only furnished prizes and free
transportation to and from the island, but lemonade, coffee, cream and sugar were
provided.
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This ruby-red glass paperweight
matches other picnic pieces of the same style. Photo
© 1999 Nick Cedar
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"It required 10,500 lemons to take
care of the wants of the picknickers (sic) in the drinking line."
As a side note, Campbell’s Island is a historical site that marks
the place where Chief Black Hawk led an attack on US Regulars and Rangers under the charge
of Lieutenant John Campbell on July 19, 1814. The Americans were defeated with a loss of
sixteen killed. Today, a memorial stands as a tribute.
Next week, The Green Girl will write about the short-lived,
somewhat-secretive Deere-Clark automobile business of the early 1900s.
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Made from ruby-red glass, these
ornate salt and pepper shakers once graced a table at a company picnic. An inscription
reads: "Deere Picnic, July 20, 1907."
According to former
employees, Mrs. Charles Deere saw the special glass at the World’s Fair and ordered
several sets. Flat brass lids originally topped these shakers; these beautiful domed lids
were added later. Photo © 1999 Nick Cedar
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Another item from a Company
picnic, this delicate "ORDER" ribbon shows the bust of John Deere, the
three-legged, leaping-over-the-log trademark, and the words: "Deere & Co. Twelfth
Annual Picnic: 1913." Photo © 2000
Denny Eilers |
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Text Ý
© 2001 Brenda Kruse. |