A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
This is an updated reprint of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
June 26, 2020
About nine years ago, “From the History Room” recalled the original Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
June 19, 2020
In past decades, it was the practice for a community’s newspapers to...
Jared L. Olar
June 12, 2020
One of the most valuable and useful features of Charles C. Chapman’s...
Jared L. Olar
June 5, 2020
Last week in this column, we surveyed the African-American population of Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
May 29, 2020
Continuing our review of what historical records can tell us of 19th-century...
Jared L. Olar
May 22, 2020
Recently this column reviewed the known black families who lived in Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
May 15, 2020
Two of Pekin’s community service organizations – the Pekin Rotary and Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2020
This is an updated reprint of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
April 24, 2020
This is an updated reprint of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
April 17, 2020
This is an updated reprint of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
April 11, 2020
From the Archives
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history. Each article offers a closer look at the community’s past while preserving the local stories and experiences that connect generations.
Explore Your Roots
Discover your Family's History
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.
