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 updated version of one of our “From...
Jared L. Olar
July 23, 2026
As we have mentioned here more than once, William H. Bates (1840-1930)...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2026
With the United States of America preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
January 22, 2026
The first 19 years of Pekin’s history cover the period when our...
Jared L. Olar
March 14, 2024
As we continue our Bicentennial series on Pekin’s history, this week we...
Jared L. Olar
March 7, 2024
For this third in our series of Pekin Bicentennial Black History Month...
Jared L. Olar
February 22, 2024
As we continue this week with the history of 405 Willow St.,...
Jared L. Olar
March 23, 2023
The Pekin Public Library’s program on Saturday, 11 March 2023, about tracing...
Jared L. Olar
March 16, 2023
One of the most prominent of Pekin’s community leaders in the earliest...
Jared L. Olar
July 28, 2022
Earlier this year, another important part of the life of Nance Legins-Costley...
Jared L. Olar
June 23, 2022
This week “From the History Room” will commence a systematic genealogical account...
Jared L. Olar
November 4, 2021
Four years ago, “From the History Room” shone the spotlight on William...
Jared L. Olar
June 15, 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.
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.
