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
July 16, 2026
Among the prominent business leaders of Pekin’s past, the name of John...
Jared L. Olar
September 4, 2025
Rivalling if not surpassing the Hamm’s Building for the title of most...
Jared L. Olar
May 24, 2024
Since the mid-1990s, the building at 363 Court St. – the northwest...
Jared L. Olar
April 19, 2024
Continuing now with our series on Pekin’s downtown businesses featured in the...
Jared L. Olar
September 15, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
October 28, 2021
In our ongoing series on the history of the Pekin Public Library,...
Jared L. Olar
March 25, 2021
This is a revised version of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
September 28, 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.
