A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
During his lifetime, Charles Leonard Wilson (1863-1928) was notable in both his...
Jared L. Olar
December 18, 2025
Long ago, a large mill, known as the City Mills, was located...
Jared L. Olar
December 11, 2025
In the work of laying the foundations of public education in Tazewell...
Jared L. Olar
December 4, 2025
Courtesy of the Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society, a vintage Hinners...
Jared L. Olar
November 25, 2025
In the roll of German immigrants who became community pillars of Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
November 20, 2025
Among the notables of Pekin’s pioneer past was Col. Thomas W. Cooper...
Jared L. Olar
November 13, 2025
Among the prominent figures of Pekin’s history was Julius Franz Jaeckel (1862-1950),...
Jared L. Olar
November 6, 2025
Last Thursday, Oct. 23, the City of East Peoria unveiled a new...
Jared L. Olar
October 30, 2025
The first two installments in our series on the history of 1119...
Jared L. Olar
October 23, 2025
Part One of our history of 1119 Hamilton Street reached as far...
Jared L. Olar
October 16, 2025
Recently a patron of the Pekin Public Library suggested that we look...
Jared L. Olar
October 9, 2025
One of Pekin’s oldest churches is preparing to celebrate its 175th anniversary...
Jared L. Olar
October 2, 2025
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.
From the Archives
Discover your Family's History
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.
