A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
As we have mentioned here more than once, William H. Bates (1840-1930)...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2026
As we recalled last week, the same year that Pekin voted to...
Jared L. Olar
April 11, 2024
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
Before the formal platting and surveying of the little pioneer settlement that...
Jared L. Olar
January 11, 2024
One of the most prominent of Pekin’s community leaders in the earliest...
Jared L. Olar
July 28, 2022
This is a slightly revised version of one of our “From the...
Jared L. Olar
April 27, 2018
Here’s a chance to read one of our old Local History Room...
Jared L. Olar
October 6, 2017
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.
