Deere homes open their doors for 19th Century Christmas

Quad Citians will once again be welcomed to a 19th Century Christmas celebration when the William Butterworth Foundation historic sites throw open their doors Sunday, Dec. 3, on a pair of unique Deere family homes.

Community visitors will again be able to experience the wonder of a traditional Victorian Christmas in a pair of unique John Deere descendants’ family homes and two other William Butterworth Foundation historic buildings, all in Moline.

Some events and the activities planned by at the historic site this weekend include:

Butterworth Center

At the 1892 home of Katherine and William Butterworth, 1105 Eighth Street, enjoy cookies and punch, tour three floors decorated for the holidays, and enjoy singers and musicians from local high schools. 

For the first time this year, visitors can view Partners in Preservation, a 10-minute film documentary about restoring a historic leaded window at Butterworth Center. 

Butterworth Education Center

Tour the Butterworths’ former garage, located at the corner of 12th Avenue & Seventh Street, that was built in 1910. 

Visitors can meet Santa, who will pass out treats to all and free books to the first 400 youngsters. They also can drink hot chocolate and spiced cider and make a take home craft, sponsored by WQPT Quad Cities Public Television. 

Deere-Wiman House 

Visitors will be able to tour the 1872 home of Charles Deere at 817 11 Ave., and soak up the holiday sounds of accomplished pianist Eric Newton and the Slide Trombone Quartet. 

Deere-Wiman Carriage House 

Then attendees can sip hot chocolate, munch a Christmas cookie and make a holiday craft at the building just east of the Deere-Wiman House. Get a face painting by the talented Xochi Pannell and a portrait by expert caricature artist Josh Wright. 

Rock Island County Historical Society

The building at 822 11th Ave., which holds a treasure trove of Rock Island County history, also is open to visitors from 1-4 p.m. 

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