MOLINE, ILLINOIS (November 6, 2024) — On Sunday, December 1, 12-5PM, the community is invited to a 19th Century Christmas, the annual tradition celebrated at all four William Butterworth Foundation historic buildings. Visitors will experience the wonder of a traditional Victorian Christmas in these unique Deere family homes:
Butterworth Center — 1105 8 Street, Moline
At the 1892 home of Katherine and William Butterworth, enjoy cookies and punch, tour three floors decorated for the holidays, and enjoy singers and musicians from local high schools.
Butterworth Education Center — Corner of 12 Avenue and 7 Street, Moline
Tour the Butterworths’ former garage, built in 1910. Meet Santa, who’ll pass out treats to all and free books to the first 400 youngsters. Drink hot chocolate and spiced cider and make a take-home craft, sponsored by WQPT Quad Cities Public Television.
Deere-Wiman House — 817 11 Avenue, Moline
Tour the 1872 home of Charles Deere and soak up the holiday sounds of Slide Trombone Quartet and more.
Deere-Wiman Carriage House — 817 11 Avenue, Moline (east of the Deere-Wiman House)
Sip hot chocolate, munch a Christmas cookie, and make a holiday craft. Get a face painting by talented Xochi Pannell and a portrait by expert caricature artist Josh Wright.
The Rock Island Historical Society, 822 11 Avenue, is also open 1–4PM
History, education, and community service come together at Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House in Moline. These historic houses, once belonging to John Deere’s descendants, now serve as community centers for lots of free, family-appropriate events, including community-group meetings, concerts featuring a variety of musical genres, lectures by local and national experts, tours that highlight regional and Deere family history, day camps and educational programs for students, and community events that attract thousands each year.
All events are funded by the William Butterworth Foundation, manager of both Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House in Moline, Illinois.
For a full calendar of community events offered by Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, go to butterworthcenter.com.
