Carriage House Museum: A Glimpse into the Past
Built in 1910 by the Burton F. Peek family, the Carriage House originally served as a stable for horses and storage for carriages. The second floor housed modern servants' quarters. A coal-fired steam furnace once heated both the Carriage House and the main residence — a testament to early 20th-century ingenuity.
After the property was acquired by the Historical Society, the Carriage House became a museum dedicated to preserving Rock Island County’s agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore horse-drawn harnesses, ox yokes, vintage tools, and farming artifacts that showcase rural life from the early 1900s.
Original Features
- Stable room for two horses
- Exterior grain bin for feed storage
- Coal-fired steam furnace in the basement
- Steam pipes connecting to the main house
Exhibits & Displays
- Harnesses, collars, ox yokes, and horse gear
- Sleds, saws, hay knives, and vintage farm tools
- Glass milk bottles and everyday household artifacts
- Rotating exhibits showcasing local agricultural heritage
Open: During Spring and Winter Open Houses or by appointment.