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Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House: A Glimpse into Moline's Past

Step back in time and explore the elegant homes of the Deere family, founders of the iconic John Deere company, in Moline, Illinois.

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Explore two historic mansions, the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, once home to the descendants of John Deere. These meticulously preserved homes offer a unique glimpse into Victorian family life and the legacy of the Deere family in Moline, Illinois.

A brief summary to Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House

Local tips

  • Check the Butterworth Center website for tour schedules, special events, and holiday closures before visiting.
  • Tours are free, but donations are appreciated to support the preservation of these historic homes.
  • The gardens are open for viewing during daylight hours and offer a peaceful escape.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking and stairs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're near the Moline Transit Center, exit and head south on 5th Avenue. Turn left onto 8th Street and walk for about 0.6 miles. The Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House will be on your left. This walk offers a pleasant route through the local area.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House via public transportation, find the nearest MetroLINK bus stop. Take any bus that routes to 8th Street. Get off at the stop on 8th Street. The destination will be a short walk away. Check MetroLINK's schedule for current fare prices and routes. A single ride fare is approximately $1.

  • Car

    If driving, enter '1105 8th St, Moline, IL 61265' into your GPS. From downtown Moline, head east on 16th Street toward River Drive. Continue onto 8th Street, and you will find Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House on your left. Free parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House

The Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, located in Moline's historic Overlook District, offer a captivating journey into the lives of the Deere family, founders of the John Deere company. These neighboring mansions, built in 1872 and 1892 respectively, showcase distinct architectural styles and provide a window into Victorian-era living. The Deere-Wiman House, originally named "Overlook" for its commanding view of Moline, was built by Charles Deere for his family. The house features a blend of Victorian architectural styles and displays original furnishings, including a Kimball pipe organ and an 1890s elevator. The home was donated to the public in 1976 after serving as the residence for four generations of Deere descendants. Just a block away, the Butterworth Center, originally named "Hillcrest", was a wedding gift from Charles Deere to his daughter Katherine and her husband, William Butterworth. Over the years, the Butterworths significantly expanded the home, incorporating unique features such as a Bennett Organ Company pipe organ and a library designed to house an 18th-century Italian ceiling painting from Venice. This prized Venetian ceiling, acquired in 1917, is one of only six known Venetian ceiling paintings in the U.S. today. Recent discoveries suggest the painting was completed in the 1710s or 1720s by Gaspar Diziani and commissioned by the Bernando family. Visitors can explore the grounds and interiors of both homes, immersing themselves in the history and elegance of a bygone era. The properties also boast extensive formal gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Today, the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House are operated by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust, hosting educational and cultural events, home and garden tours, and providing meeting spaces for non-profit organizations.

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