The Ladies of the Houses Tours at the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House -- October 10 and 11.
Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11
Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth Street, Moline
On October 10 and 11, the lives of three remarkable woman – Mary Deere, Katherine Butterworth, and Pattie Wiman – will be explored when Moline's Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House offer The Ladies of the Houses Tours, the fascinating 90-minute events taking place on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Deere, Butterworth, and Wiman were raised during the Victorian Era when a woman’s place was with her family, community, and church. But behind the scenes, they played an essential role in the growth and success of Deere & Company. As pioneers in the social life of the city, the business and beyond, they helped set the course for the good fortune to come. Visitors on October 10 and 11 will get a glimpse of the private lives of these ladies: their pastimes, personal values, and prized possessions.
Ana Kehoe, who, as a young girl, knew Mrs. Wiman and visited her home, has several unique stories to tell. She will lead the groups through both Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center for approximately one-and-a-half hours, There will be opportunities to sit during the tour, but guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
Katherine Deere, granddaughter of John Deere, married William Butterworth, and their home was built as a wedding gift by her parents, Mary and Charles Deere. The original house was much smaller and looked significantly different from what you see today. Sitting just a block from Charles Deere’s home “Overlook,” the home was named “Hillcrest.” The Butterworths had no children and chose to expand their home for the purpose of entertaining, filling it with fine furniture, art, and music. The Butterworths' attitude of philanthropy, community involvement, and wish to bring culture into the Quad Cities led to the establishment of the William Butterworth Foundation, which maintains the house today. Guests of the houses are invited to explore what life was like for one of Moline’s most influential families.
The Ladies of the Houses Tours will take place on October 10 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and October 11 at 1 p.m. There is an exterior lift and interior elevator at both houses for those with mobility issues, although wheelchairs will not fit in the interior elevator. (Wheelchair users will be limited to the first floor of both houses.) Parking is available across the street, south of Deere-Wiman House, at 817 11th Ave, Moline.
Admission to the tours is $20, with entry limited to 20 participants, and more information on the weekend events is available by calling (309)743-2700 and visiting ButterworthCenter.com.
