River Action will celebrate the Quad Cities’ rich history and the legacy leaders who helped shape the region and American agriculture as it hosts the 18th Annual Henry Farnam Evening.
The River Action event is Thursday, March 26, at the Rogalski Center on St. Ambrose University’s Davenport campus. Doors open at 5 p.m. It will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, displays, and a raffle. At 6 p.m., the program will begin. Presenters will highlight the historical development of industry, water power, and cultural heritage in the region.
Program speakers
The program will include these guest speakers:
- Neil Dahlstrom, John Deere heritage marketing and archives manager. He will present “John Deere and the Development of American Agriculture.” Mr. Dahlstrom, an archivist, researcher, and author of multiple books – including “Tractor Wars” – will explore four key eras of Deere’s growth from the 1830s through the late 1990s.
- Patrick Allie, director of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. He will discuss “The Development of Water Power in the QCA, 1820–1862,” and its role in influencing John Deere’s decision to establish operations in Moline.
- Dale G. Haake, former Quad Cities area poet laureate and retired attorney. He will read the poem “A Grand Detour”.
Volunteer historian George Eaton will provide opening remarks and a ceremonial toast.
Since its founding in 2004, the Henry Farnam Evening has honored the historical legacy and lasting influence of Henry Farnam and other pioneers who helped shape the economic and cultural development of the Mississippi River region.
The annual fundraiser is named for Mr. Farnam. He was a pioneering American civil engineer and early president of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Mr. Farnam and partner Joseph Sheffield built the first railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River in 1856. It connected Davenport and Rock Island.
The cost is $35 per person, $180 for a table of six. For tickets or more information, visit RiverAction.org/HenryFarnam or call (563) 322-2969.
