Backyard Journeys
John Deere Pavilion
Clip | 6m 56s
A historic site in Moline displays the early days of John Deere’s home and business.
The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois preserves the historic site of Deere’s first blacksmith shop, a working recreation of the shop and his family home. Deere came to Illinois in 1836 with four (soon to be five) children and a wife to support. After witnessing the inadequacy of cast irons plows on prairie soil, he developed a steel plow and by the late 1840s was making over 1000 a year.
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Backyard Journeys is a local public television program presented by WTVP
Backyard Journeys
John Deere Pavilion
Clip | 6m 56s
The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois preserves the historic site of Deere’s first blacksmith shop, a working recreation of the shop and his family home. Deere came to Illinois in 1836 with four (soon to be five) children and a wife to support. After witnessing the inadequacy of cast irons plows on prairie soil, he developed a steel plow and by the late 1840s was making over 1000 a year.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Where to Watch Backyard Journeys
Backyard Journeys is available to stream on pbs.org and the PBS app.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipClip | 4m 38s | Sand Ridge State Forest offers a unique place to enjoy prairie grass, pines and cacti. (4m 38s)
Clip | 4m 12s | Pekin Paintball Park’s six fields offer options for people of all ages. (4m 12s)
Clip | 3m 43s | A disc golf course in Morton draws enthusiasts from all over the world. (3m 43s)
Clip | 6m 56s | A historic site in Moline displays the early days of John Deere’s home and business. (6m 56s)
Clip | 4m 57s | An antique building in Mendota houses a museum celebrating the town’s history. (4m 57s)
Clip | 6m 20s | A museum in Gridley displays 100 years of telephone history. (6m 20s)
Clip | 5m 40s | A desire to return restaurants to their roots led to Epiphany Farms in Bloomington. (5m 40s)
Clip | 7m 42s | A village in Illinois still tells the story of its Swedish colonial roots. (7m 42s)
Clip | 4m 8s | A growing personal collection leads to a playable arcade museum. (4m 8s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipSupport for PBS provided by:
Backyard Journeys is a local public television program presented by WTVP






















