A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
In reviewing Pekin’s 1876 U.S. Centennial celebrations last week, we examined what...
Jared L. Olar
July 9, 2026
After our recalling the story of the creation of Tazewell County last...
Jared L. Olar
March 19, 2026
With our country now celebrating its Semiquincentennial (250 years), this is an...
Jared L. Olar
March 12, 2026
Continuing our “America 250”-themed recollections of the early history of Tazewell County...
Jared L. Olar
February 12, 2026
Even after control of the Illinois Country passed from France to Britain...
Jared L. Olar
February 5, 2026
One of Tazewell County’s early pioneer families were the Beckleys, a Pennsylvania...
Jared L. Olar
January 2, 2026
In the work of laying the foundations of public education in Tazewell...
Jared L. Olar
December 4, 2025
Coming right on the heels of last year’s Pekin Bicentennial celebrations, the...
Jared L. Olar
September 25, 2025
Dr. Clarence Eddy McFall, M.D. (1860-1911) was one of Tazewell County’s early...
Jared L. Olar
July 17, 2025
Only 11 months after the founding of Pekin, the survival of the...
Jared L. Olar
December 12, 2024
As we recalled last week, the same year that Pekin voted to...
Jared L. Olar
April 11, 2024
Back in May of this year, a collection of 1924 and 1925...
Jared L. Olar
September 7, 2023
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.
