A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Numbered among the notable businessmen of Pekin’s “Gilded Age” was John William...
Jared L. Olar
May 15, 2025
Though we’re now caught in winter’s icy grip, this week we’ll take...
Jared L. Olar
January 3, 2025
In recent weeks, we have looked back to the way the groundwork...
Jared L. Olar
April 29, 2021
In her 1902 account of the Pekin Public Library’s early history, Miss...
Jared L. Olar
April 22, 2021
In spotlighting the leading role of Miss Mary Gaither (1852-1945) in the...
Jared L. Olar
April 15, 2021
Two of Pekin’s community service organizations – the Pekin Rotary and Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2020
While Illinois is celebrating its bicentennial this year, and the Pekin Area...
Jared L. Olar
September 21, 2018
This is a revised version of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
September 7, 2018
Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...
Jared L. Olar
May 5, 2017
Recently we highlighted the somewhat tense and at times colorful relationship that...
Jared L. Olar
January 15, 2016
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.
