History of the Carriage House Museum

The Burton F. Peek family owned and occupied the property when it was decided a place was needed to house the team of driving horses and carriages.
The existing carriage house was built in 1910 with a second story which served as a spacious and modern servants' quarters.  Currently, this area is now used as a clothes loft.  The large front room on the first floor housed the carriages, horse's harnesses, etc.

A room at the rear of the first floor stabled the two horses.  Outside, covered grain bin attached to the building. A coal-fired steam furnace and a large coal bin originally took up a great portion of the large basement. The coal-fired furnace was later changed to burn oil. In those days the furnace was large enough to heat not only the carriage house, but the main house, through underground steam pipes. Currently, the main house and carriage house each have their own gas fired furnace.


An important aspect of early Rock Island County history was the basic industry of farming. Therefore, shortly after the property was acquired by the historical society, it was decided that horse-drawn harnesses and collars, ox yokes and such materials would be collected, preserved and displayed in the carriage house. The carriage house was open for visitors on many occasions throughout the year, but mostly for viewing the horse-drawn vehicles.

The large glass display case provides the means to change various displays. Glass milk bottles in the case were a source of wonder for a number of young people who could not believe that milk was delivered to your door in glass bottles way back then. Hangers were placed on the walls to hold old sleds, buck saws, hay cutting knives, old tools and many other items.  You are invited to view many artifacts in the RICHS Carriage House during the open houses held on a Sunday afternoon each May and December, or by appointment.