One of the Savanna Historical Society’s favorite storytellers, Brian “Fox” Ellis, returns to the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center, 406 Main Street, Savanna, IL, on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. The audience is ‘invited’ to a private board meeting and celebration of John Deere & Co. The founder of the company is retiring and handing the plow to his son, Charles.
John Deere reflects on the history of his self-scouring plows, sharing some of his personal struggles. He then turns to the future and the great changes in agriculture that he foresees in the vision of his son, who transforms the company and the future of farming.
While portraying John Deere, historian and author Ellis covers 100 years of agricultural history and then leads a discussion on the future of farming. He raises issues like the
- pros and cons of agriculture versus agribusiness
- role of technology and mechanization
- small family farms
- centennial farms
- community service agriculture.
This program promises to engage the audience in a complex conversation on how we continue to feed the world. During the program, John Deere asks the audience questions about their family roots in agriculture and where they think the future will lead us.
The program will be in the Community Room. A donation of $8 is appreciated. Refreshments will be served. Contact 815-273-3761 with questions.
The Historical Society also invites area farm equipment owners to bring equipment for display during the day.
- Farm implements may be parked on the 400 block of Main Street, east side, or the closed-off area of Madison Street from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
- There is no cost for entering your equipment.