A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
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
Last week we recalled the life of one of Tazewell County’s late...
Jared L. Olar
July 24, 2025
Gideon Hawley (1797-1852) and his family were among the earliest pioneer settlers...
Jared L. Olar
July 9, 2025
Numbered among the notable businessmen of Pekin’s “Gilded Age” was John William...
Jared L. Olar
May 15, 2025
Adding to the honors conferred on them by the Illinois State Historical...
Jared L. Olar
May 1, 2025
This week we will take another look at one of Pekin’s successful...
Jared L. Olar
February 27, 2025
Among Pekin’s most prominent businessmen and community leaders of days gone by...
Jared L. Olar
February 20, 2025
Among the many notable people of Pekin’s past were William John Conzelman...
Jared L. Olar
February 5, 2025
Among the special events of Pekin’s Bicentennial last year was the first-ever German...
Jared L. Olar
January 16, 2025
Though we’re now caught in winter’s icy grip, this week we’ll take...
Jared L. Olar
January 3, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas celebrations were like in Pekin way...
Jared L. Olar
December 26, 2024
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.
