MUSCATINE, Iowa — The sprawling complexes that house Muscatine’s Monsanto plant and Muscatine Power and Water are local landmarks, but not everyone is aware of the details surrounding those businesses such as their history and the variety of programs and products they represent.

Now, two new exhibits at the Muscatine History and Industry Center display photos, text and pieces from the past that provide more in-depth profiles of both industries.

“These are the newest exhibits,” said Melanie Alexander, executive director of the Center. “And they are certainly great additions.”

Monsanto

Chris Boar, executive assistant to Monsanto’s plant manager, said her company, located at 2500 Wiggins Road, was pleased to accept an invitation to create an exhibit for the Center.

“Monsanto is committed to the community and education,” said Boar. “This is a good fit.”

The Monsanto Co. uses biotechnology to develop agricultural products such as insect-resistant seed. The display includes free- standing panels that highlight the company’s products, employees, locations around the world, environmental safety and community relations and projects.

Monsanto’s environmental projects include the Big Sand Mound nature Preserve.

The 510-acre nature preserve was first established when MidAmerican set aside 420 acres during the development of the Louisa Generating Station in Muscatine. Later, Monsanto added 90 acres and the two corporations manage the preserve.

Short videos on various aspects of Monsanto are also part of the          

display.

MP&W

A 1942 electric bill for $1.04 is

one of the artifacts in the Muscatine Power and Water exhibit.

An earlier piece,  employee identification pin No. 3, was worn by Muscatine Power and Water’s third employee after the utility was established 109 years ago.

“We’ve been part of the Muscatine community since 1900 when a private water company was purchased for $100,000 by the city,” said Gary Weiskamp, director of utility relations for Muscatine Power and Water. The municipality is located at 3205 Cedar St.

A history-at-a-glance panel chronicles the evolution and expansion of the power company, including the creation of an electric municipality in 1922.

Another milestone was the establishment of a municipal communications utility to provide cable and Internet service in 1997.

“The whole exhibit shows how we were — and are — such a big part of the community,” said Kathy Danz, communications specialist for Muscatine Power and Water.

A place to learn

Alexander said the Center, which also showcases the HNI Corp., Bandag, Stanley Consultants, and the once-thriving pearl button industry, serves the public in several ways.

In addition to welcoming visitors, area businesses hold employee orientations there and area schools can bring students to the Center as well.

Online

Muscatine Power and Water http://www.mpw.org

Monsanto

http://www.monsanto.com

Muscatine History

and Industry Center

http://www.muscatinehistory.org/

The Center

What: The Muscatine History and Industry Center

Where: 117 W. Second St.

Phone: 563-263-1052

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday

Suggested donation: $4, adults and $2 students