A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
In days gone by, Pekin was the home of several alcohol distilleries,...
Jared L. Olar
August 21, 2025
Among the special events of Pekin’s Bicentennial last year was the first-ever German...
Jared L. Olar
January 16, 2025
The historic structure at the southeast corner of Court and Fourth streets...
Jared L. Olar
April 25, 2024
Since the mid-1990s, the building at 363 Court St. – the northwest...
Jared L. Olar
April 19, 2024
While it is natural that people might express interest in the history...
Jared L. Olar
December 21, 2023
Continuing now with our series on Pekin’s downtown businesses featured in the...
Jared L. Olar
September 15, 2022
Thanks to the generosity of Busey Bank of Pekin (formerly Herget Bank),...
Jared L. Olar
December 23, 2021
In her 1902 account of the Pekin Public Library’s early history, Miss...
Jared L. Olar
April 22, 2021
As a part of the ongoing celebration of is 125th anniversary, the...
Jared L. Olar
April 21, 2021
After a hiatus of about a year, the Pekin Area Chamber of...
Jared L. Olar
April 20, 2021
In spotlighting the leading role of Miss Mary Gaither (1852-1945) in the...
Jared L. Olar
April 15, 2021
Last week in our series on the history of the Pekin Public...
Jared L. Olar
April 8, 2021
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.
