By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent

WATERLOO, Iowa — Moline and Grand Detour, Ill., are the sites most John Deere enthusiasts know about. Moline is where collectors visit the John Deere Pavilion and the “Rusty Palace,” or Deere’s headquarters; Grand Detour is where Deere invented his amazing steel plow in 1837, and where visitors can see how he lived.

Now, Deere & Co. has announced it will expand its branded properties to include a tourist attraction in Waterloo, focused on the history of tractor and engine design and manufacturing. The John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum will be located on Westfield Avenue, on the original site of the Waterloo Tractor Works.

In a press release, Ken Golden, director of Strategic Public Relations, wrote: “Construction on the John Deere Waterloo Tractor and Engine History Museum will begin in late 2010, with opening of the facility scheduled for late 2011. The museum will be an addition to John Deere attractions in Iowa, Illinois and Germany, as well as visitor centers at John Deere factories around the world.”

Bill Becker, director of global brand management for Deere, added, “This new museum will complement other John Deere-branded properties by amplifying the tractor and engine history of the company and enabling visitors to explore the development and capabilities of these products more in-depth.

“The John Deere Waterloo Works is already a popular place for visitors to travel for plant tours,” he said. “We believe this new museum will be a welcome addition for all John Deere enthusiasts.”
What will collectors find? According to the press release, the tractor and engine museum will include artifacts and interactive exhibits “to celebrate the rich history and dynamic growth of the tractor business at John Deere, which today is the world’s leading provider of agricultural equipment.”

Dave Rodger, general manager at John Deere Waterloo Works, said, “The museum will celebrate not only the history of John Deere’s tractor and engine business, but also the invaluable contribution of employees, customers and the Cedar Valley.
“Tractors and engines are an important part of John Deere’s 173-year history, and Deere is looking forward to sharing our story of quality and innovation.”

For details, contact Golden at 309-765-5678.