Dietrich C. Smith

A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.

In our tenth and final installment of our series on researching the...

Jared L. Olar

May 18, 2023

This week we will begin to tell the story of the Reardon...

Jared L. Olar

April 20, 2023

As we saw last time, the Dietrich C. Smith family were the...

Jared L. Olar

April 13, 2023

In this week’s continuation of the history of 405 Willow St., we...

Jared L. Olar

April 6, 2023

Continuing the history of 405 Willow St., we will consult some old...

Jared L. Olar

March 30, 2023

As we continue this week with the history of 405 Willow St.,...

Jared L. Olar

March 23, 2023

From the Archives

A Closer Look at Pekin’s History

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.