More of The John Deere Pavilion
Of all the tractors on display there was one we thought was really
cool. It was the 12 horsepower 1920 Waterloo Boy that ran on kerosene. In 1918 Deere bought the Waterloo Gas Engine Company and continued to produce the Waterloo Boy tractors until 1924. The cooling fan is driven by a leather belt. To make her move the main wheels are driven by gears inside the rims.
While many of today's lawn tractors have more horsepower, the Waterloo Boy was an engineering marvel of the time.
Along the left side back wall of the Pavilion is a well-done pictured time-line of the John Deere Company. From moving from Vermont through the use of satellites in farming, the important dates are listed chronologically.
Appropriately placed near the door which leads visitors to the John Deere Store is the children's educational area. Here kids of all ages can follow the path of corn. From planting to harvesting to being made into food products. There is even a wooden cow that will stand still as she is being milked.
Be sure to look up at the rafters before heading to the store. Check out the several farm themed art work placed along the center line of the roof.
The side door next to the wooden cow will lead directly to the John Deere Store where anything and everything bearing the John Deere Logo can be found. Trinkets, kitchen ware, garden accessories, clothing for all ages and of course, toys and then more toys.
The sad part is that vast majority of the items meant to celebrate one of America's strongest known icons are made in China. We wonder what John would think of this.
But don't let that stop you from visiting and enjoying the John Deere Pavilion. We are glad we took the time to do so and so will you.
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