A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
This is a revised and expanded version of a “From the Local...
Jared L. Olar
September 23, 2026
By Linda Mace, Library assistant (retired),and Jared L. Olar, Local History Program...
Jared L. Olar
June 13, 2024
Of Pekin’s remaining historic downtown storefronts, perhaps Hamm’s Furniture’s high-peaked façade at...
Jared L. Olar
March 30, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues, this week we’ll take a look back...
Jared L. Olar
February 1, 2024
Though Pekin has already lost much of the buildings lining its Courthouse...
Jared L. Olar
August 31, 2023
This is a revised and expanded version of a “From the Local...
Jared L. Olar
September 27, 2019
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.
