A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Coming right on the heels of last year’s Pekin Bicentennial celebrations, the...
Jared L. Olar
September 25, 2025
About 120 years ago, the northwest corner of Eighth Street and Park...
Jared L. Olar
September 19, 2025
Among the notable men of Pekin’s history, James Michael Haines (1822-1909) was...
Jared L. Olar
September 11, 2025
Among the prominent business leaders of Pekin’s past, the name of John...
Jared L. Olar
September 4, 2025
Just last week, the Everett McKinley Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin celebrated...
Jared L. Olar
August 28, 2025
In days gone by, Pekin was the home of several alcohol distilleries,...
Jared L. Olar
August 21, 2025
Among Pekin’s pioneer families, one of the earliest to arrive was the...
Jared L. Olar
August 14, 2025
Built 151 years ago, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at the corner of...
Jared L. Olar
August 7, 2025
Almost a century ago, Pekin’s New Year in 1926 opened with the...
Jared L. Olar
July 31, 2025
Last week we recalled the life of one of Tazewell County’s late...
Jared L. Olar
July 24, 2025
Dr. Clarence Eddy McFall, M.D. (1860-1911) was one of Tazewell County’s early...
Jared L. Olar
July 17, 2025
Gideon Hawley (1797-1852) and his family were among the earliest pioneer settlers...
Jared L. Olar
July 9, 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.
