QC Historic Homes on Display during the Holidays
History is an integral part of the Quad Cities' identity. Preserving the past, creating memories, and looking forward to the future are essential dynamics of life in this bi-state regional destination on the world-renowned Mississippi River.
Deeply rooted in our heritage is the inventory of historic homes in the region and their stories. Several of these homes are decked out for the holidays and celebrate the season with special events and tours during the first weekend in December. Each house represents a different era and the architectural beauty of the past.
Christmas at Deere-Wiman - Dec. 3-5 - SOLD OUT
Overlook, as the Deere-Wiman House was known, was designed by Chicago architect William Le Baron Jenny, the father of the early skyscraper. Built in 1872, home of John Deere’s son, Charles, the house features many original furnishings. In the dining room, there is one-of-a-kind wall covering that is a combination of stenciling and hand painting on canvas. Underground tunnels were built so staff could avoid inclement weather. The Deere-Wiman house had one to an indoor pool and the carriage house.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. The Deere-Wiman House will be adorned with beautiful and festive Victorian-era decorations during December 3-5, 2021. As you tour the living areas of the Deere family, envision the joy and laughter of children playing with the 1930 Lionel Train set and the child's toy oven/range on display. Or you may imagine the lovely fragrance the intricately decorated 1890's perfume bottle contained.
Visitors will receive a special gift bag of materials to take home to make an ornament to commemorate their visit. In the Deere-Wiman Carriage House, children attending can select a book from Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House. The 2021 Christmas at Deere-Wiman House event will have a (free) timed-entry ticket online system for guests to tour the house. Select a date and an entry time at www.butterworthcenter.com, print out your registration confirmation and present it at the door. Hours: December 3-4, 2:30-7:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 5, 12-3:30 p.m.
Quarters One - Dec. 4
Located on the largest island in the upper Mississippi River, the Rock Island Arsenal has played a major role in the supplying of troops from the Civil War to today. From beginnings rooted in the protection of the fur traders in the early 1800's, to its current role as a modern military installation, the Arsenal Island has been an important part of the growth in the Quad Cities. The U.S. Government originally purchased Arsenal Island in 1804 as part of a treaty with the Sauk and Meskwaki Indians. The Rock Island Arsenal was established by an act of Congress in 1862.
Like the Deere-Wiman House, Quarters One was completed in 1872. This stunning mansion on Arsenal Island once served as the home to the highest-ranking officer at the Rock Island Arsenal and provided space for official gatherings and functions. It was the second-largest federal residence in the U.S., behind the White House. Over the years, the Quarters One mansion of Italianate design hosted many dignitaries and notable personalities. Charles Lindbergh in 1927 stayed there, and King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden in 1996. Thirty-eight different senior officers have called Quarters One home until 2008.
Quarters One will be open for guided tours on Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with reservations made in advance by calling 309-782-5890. Please access the Rock Island Arsenal using the Moline gate entrance. A U.S. photo ID is required for those 16 years and older.
Colonel Davenport House - Dec. 4
The Colonel Davenport House, also on Arsenal Island, will be open for guided tours on Saturday, December 4, from 12-4 p.m. Pick up a gift in the gift shop while you're there and take a picture with the historic sleigh.
Built in 1833 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Colonel Davenport Hose was considered a mansion of its time and one of the first houses in the region that remain. On your guided tour, see artifacts representative of the early to mid-1800s that reflect the early settler lifestyle of the George Davenport family. In 1816, George Davenport arrived with the U.S. Army to establish Fort Armstrong on Arsenal Island. He stayed and developed business relationships with the local Native Americans and started a fur trading business. Davenport helped settle and develop the Quad Cities and created a life here for himself and his family. Visit www.davenporthouse.org for more information. Please access the Rock Island Arsenal using the Moline gate entrance. A U.S. photo ID is required for those 16 years and older.
Hauberg Estate - Dec. 5
Built in 1909, the Hauberg estate reflects the popular Prairie School style design with a unique tulip motif. Hauberg is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designed by Chicago architect, Robert C. Spencer, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright. The gardens at the estate were designed by the famous landscape architect Jens Jensen and are open year-round.
The Hauberg was built for heiress Susanne Denkmann, the youngest daughter of Frederick Denkmann, the founding partner in the Weyerhauser-Denkmann lumber empire. In 1911, she married the farm boy-turned lawyer, John Hauberg. Generous in heart and deed, the Haubergs became leading philanthropists in the community.
The Hauberg Estate in Rock Island hosts Winter in Bloom, a free holiday open house on Sunday, December 5. The Mansion will be decorated for the holidays and offers fun for all ages. Carriage rides take place from noon to 4 p.m. Santa arrives to hear all about your “wish list” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There will be crafts for the kids and hot chocolate and cookies in the Carriage House. Visit www.haubergestate.org for more information.