A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Among the prominent figures of Pekin’s history was Julius Franz Jaeckel (1862-1950),...
Jared L. Olar
November 6, 2025
The customers of First Pekin Savings Bank, 532 Court St., can read...
Jared L. Olar
May 18, 2024
In our previous installment in our Pekin Bicentennial series we reviewed the story...
Jared L. Olar
April 3, 2024
The building at 437 Court St. – known to longtime Pekin residents...
Jared L. Olar
September 28, 2023
This final installment in our series on the group of 19th century...
Jared L. Olar
October 27, 2022
This is a revised version of one of our “From the Local...
Jared L. Olar
May 11, 2018
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.
