A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Since today, Thursday, 17 Sept. 2026, marks 239 years since the signing...
Jared L. Olar
September 17, 2026
With the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln coming up this...
Jared L. Olar
February 3, 2026
With the 2024 General Election just days away, this is an opportune...
Jared L. Olar
November 1, 2024
In our previous installment in our Pekin Bicentennial series we reviewed the story...
Jared L. Olar
April 3, 2024
As we continue our Bicentennial series on Pekin’s history, this week we...
Jared L. Olar
March 7, 2024
President Abraham Lincoln’s long road to the White House began in his...
Jared L. Olar
March 9, 2023
This month in which we have observed President Abraham Lincoln’s 211th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
February 21, 2020
Last week we recalled President Herbert Hoover’s brief whistle stop in Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
March 3, 2017
The Local History Room at the Pekin Public Library currently features a...
Jared L. Olar
January 25, 2017
A few weeks ago this column spotlighted the old Smith Wagon Company...
Jared L. Olar
October 14, 2016
This week’s “From the Local History Room” column spotlights a recent addition...
Jared L. Olar
October 9, 2015
The newest addition to our Local History Room collection is a donation...
Jared L. Olar
September 22, 2015
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.
