Local History Program Coordinator at the Pekin Public Library. I oversee the library’s local history room collection, write a weekly local history column/weblog for the library, and present local history programs at the library and in the community.

Author's Articles

Though Pekin has already lost much of the buildings lining its Courthouse...

Jared L. Olar

August 31, 2023

Last Saturday morning, Aug. 12, the Tazewell County Courthouse hosted a celebration...

Jared L. Olar

August 17, 2023

Those who patronize Maquet’s Rail House at 221 Court St. not only...

Jared L. Olar

August 10, 2023

By Jared L. Olar Local History Program Coordinator Here at “From the...

Jared L. Olar

August 3, 2023

This week we’ll review the life of Henry Chase (c.1830-1882), who married...

Jared L. Olar

July 27, 2023

Over the next two weeks at “From the History Room” we’ll present...

Jared L. Olar

July 20, 2023

During Pekin’s Juneteenth celebration last month, a crowd gathered downtown to witness...

Jared L. Olar

July 13, 2023

Previous articles here at “From the History Room” have told the story...

Jared L. Olar

July 6, 2023

Three special days of honor in Peoria and Pekin this month culminated...

Jared L. Olar

June 19, 2023

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