The hospitality of its people and its advanced agricultural industries were the reasons the small city was picked to host the Chinese delegation, Lande said.

"Joan and I had been to China in 1984 with the Sister State program and we were so excited about China, that we wanted them to share our homes and learn about our people," she said.

As the delegation was on a budget of $400 for three days, most of the local programs then were run by volunteer hosts such as the Dvorchaks.

Xi stayed in the bedroom of their two sons who were at college at that time.

"There were two beds with Star Wars wallpapers and Star Trek toys - a typical middle-class children's room," Eleanor said.

After a busy day touring with his delegation, Xi would enjoy some peace and quiet at the Dvorchaks' place. "I would make him a tea and let him unwind a little bit," she said.

Most Chinese visitors did not stay with host families at that time, Lande said.

"But that's one of the things Mr Xi enjoyed so much. He was brought in as part of the family, ate at the breakfast table and stayed in the kids' room. He really got to see a slice of American life," she said.

In addition to the tours to farms and companies, the delegation also enjoyed their social time with the hosts.

They had dinners at family homes, went on a boat trip on the Mississippi, had a farmhouse picnic and watched a local baseball game.

"It was the first delegation from China that we had and we were curious about each other," Axel said. "We talked about the family, business, food, homes, the kids, dogs and so on."

Xi is remembered as a good delegation leader with a warm heart.

"He was organized, curious and professional with a really warm nature," Lande said.

"I remember that he had a really nice smile," Axel said.

According to an article at the time in the Muscatine Journal, Xi said about the 1985 visit: "So far we have learned a lot, seen a lot and achieved a lot. The impression of the US is very good, I think. We have seen a lot of your advanced technology. The people here are very warm and very friendly. They too have left a very deep impression on us."

Guillermo Munro / China Daily