Quad Citians can once again enjoy a 19th Century Christmas celebration when the William Butterworth Foundation opens the doors on Sunday, Dec. 1, on a historic Moline site that includes two majestic mansions built by Charles Deere, son of John Deere.
From noon to 5 p.m., visitors to the historic homes can experience the wonder of a traditional Victorian Christmas in the more than 150-year-old Deere-Wiman House and the Butterworth Center. The event is free.
Guests also will see in these well-decked halls and rooms the results of the ongoing historic renovation of the Deere-Wiman house at 816 11th Ave. The work is being made possible in part by the foundation’s first-ever “Honoring our Heritage” public fundraising campaign.
In addition to the Deere-Wiman mansion and former Hillcrest House which is today known as the Butterworth Center, two additional historic buildings are dressed in holiday finery and open for the annual holiday Christmas party.
In all, the Butterworth Center said, visitors will celebrate a traditional Victorian Christmas with activities in these unique Deere family historic spaces:
Butterworth Center
At the 1892 home of Katherine and William Butterworth at 1105 Eight St., guests can enjoy cookies and punch. They also will tour three floors of the house once known as Overlook that will be decorated for the holidays.
There, too, visitors will enjoy singers and musicians from local high schools.
Butterworth Education Center
Tour the Butterworth’s former garage at the corner of 12th Avenue and Seventh Street. Guests can meet Santa and receive treats in the converted building that was originally built in 1910.
The first 400 youngsters also will receive free books from St. Nicholas. 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
Tour the 1872 home of Charles Deere at 817 11th Ave., and soak up the holiday sounds of Slide Trombone Quartet and more.
Deere-Wiman Carriage House
Sip hot chocolate, munch a Christmas cookie and make a holiday craft at the building at 817 11th Ave., just east of the Deere-Wiman House. Face painting also is available by the talented artist Xochi Pannell as well as portraits by expert caricature artist Josh Wright.
Rock Island Historical Society
This extensive archive is crammed with local history and maintained by local historians. It is across the street from Deere-Wiman at 822 11th Ave. It will bel open from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 1.
History, education and community service come together at Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, the foundation said.
Those historic buildings once belonged to John Deere’s descendants. They now serve as community centers for free, family-appropriate events. That includes community group meetings, concerts, lectures by local and national experts, tours that highlight regional and Deere family history. They also host day camps and educational programs for students, and community events that attract thousands each year.
The William Butterworth Foundation manages both Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House. For a full calendar of community events offered by Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, go to butterworthcenter.com.
