Southside 5th graders traveled to the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois to view and learn about the site of John Deere’s home and first blacksmith shop before moving his business to Moline, Illinois. The tour included models of Deere’s original self-scouring steel plow along with other artifacts and replicas from the time period. Additionally, students were given a tour of the original John Deere family home and a live demonstration by a blacksmith; providing students with a glimpse of what life was like back in pioneer times. Following the tour and picnic lunch at John Deere Historic Site, students traveled to Castle Rock State Park where they took a short hike to the beautiful, scenic overlook of the Rock River.
