One final fling before
fall Last week’s column mentioned the John Deere Foundation and its
operation of the all-new Collectors Center. While it’s obviously a neat place to take the family on your next vacation, there are a couple other "Deere Destinations" worth mentioning too. Also operated by the philanthropic arm of Deere & Company, the John Deere Pavilion and the Historic Site at Grand Detour draw Deere fans from all over the world. John Deere pavilion in Moline Since its grand opening in August 1997, the John Deere Pavilion has
quickly become one of the top five tourist destinations in the state of Illinois. Through its doors have walked nearly one million visitors from all over the U.S. and many foreign countries. Simply put, the Pavilion exalts agriculture and the famed green equipment made by John Deere. From its riverfront location in the heart of the John Deere Commons area, the Pavilion blends the old with the new in a way that no other museum can match.
An extensive equipment display both indoors and out adds to the educational aspects of the Pavilion. A unique mix of old and new machinery can be found on the
floor…each with a sign that explains it and also gives its retail price. The diverse
display rotates every so often, giving frequent visitors a new experience every time.
Study a massive combine or cotton picker, high-tech tractor, horsedrawn plow, or restored
vintage wagon. To be specific, the John Deere Pavilion is a 14,000-square foot, glass- and steel-enclosed structure with an additional 12,000-square foot exterior patio. Inside, curious visitors will find several special exhibit areas and a feature film titled "The Bounty." Marvel at the beautiful agricultural-theme murals created by artist Robin Moline on one wall, and the award-winning wrought-iron truss designs by sculptor John Medwedeff high up in the rafters. Plan to spend at least an hour in this place if you really want to walk through the various displays and interact with the educational exhibits.
One very lively lady, LuAnn Haydon, is in charge of this Foundation facility and sees to it that visitors are both entertained and educated while experiencing the Pavilion. John Deere historic site in Grand Detour Some John Deere enthusiasts may not be aware that John Deere
wasn’t always in Moline. In fact, he started out northwest of Moline along the Rock River in
Grand Detour, Illinois. That’s where the famed blacksmith set up shop when he came
from Vermont and first began producing the self-scouring plows. Today, this property is called the John Deere Historic Site and is operated by the John Deere Foundation. Designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, the site includes the archeological exhibit, a replica of Deere’s blacksmith shop, the original John Deere home, a visitor’s center with gift shop, and almost two acres of natural prairie to remind visitors what pioneer farmers faced. In 1962, a University of Illinois archeological team unearthed the
exact location of Deere’s first blacksmith shop in 1837. Now preserved inside an exhibit hall, visitors can view the footings and other remnants of the first decade of Deere’s business. Nearby, a replica blacksmith shop recreates how a day might have been spent when John Deere was polishing plows.
The John Deere home is real, not a replica. Built in 1836 when he arrived in Grand Detour, new additions welcomed the expanding family. Still a small house, it is furnished with pioneer period artifacts that
show what it might have been like to live back then. What the Green Girl found interesting is how low the ceilings were in the home, which leads me to think that Mr. & Mrs. Deere were short in stature. A next-door neighbor’s home acts as the official visitor’s center, again decorated with period pieces as well as original paintings by W.H. Hinton. Of course, the gift shop sells those stakes made by the blacksmith as well as other special collectibles.
Text and photosÝ © 2001 Brenda Kruse. |
Excellent educational exhibits walk you through the development of
Deere’s business, technological advances in farming and how the future will impact
the food and fiber industry. 
The other incredible component of this place is who works there. A
"Deerely" dedicated staff of retirees and volunteers only adds to the historical
richness. These friendly folks will gladly explain the various pieces of equipment, crops,
and other farm-related facts to anyone interested. 
A
blacksmith actually works with iron and fire while he explains the various tools of the
trade. Instead of making plows though, this blacksmith creates decorative plant holder
stakes for your yard or garden. 
This space is
jam-packed with anything and everything imaginable…from fishing lures and baby bibs
to shower curtains, sheets, and of course, toy tractors galore! 