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
September 23, 2026
With the end of Pekin’s Bicentennial year fast approaching, this is an...
Jared L. Olar
December 19, 2024
By Linda Mace, Library assistant (retired),and Jared L. Olar, Local History Program...
Jared L. Olar
June 13, 2024
In 2019, Ashley and Russell Spencer opened a bar and grill in...
Jared L. Olar
April 12, 2024
As we recalled last week, the same year that Pekin voted to...
Jared L. Olar
April 11, 2024
Of Pekin’s remaining historic downtown storefronts, perhaps Hamm’s Furniture’s high-peaked façade at...
Jared L. Olar
March 30, 2024
The late Christal Dagit (1943-2019) was long-time president of the Tazewell County...
Jared L. Olar
March 2, 2023
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
May 5, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
January 8, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
November 27, 2020
About a month ago we recalled the drilling of the artesian well...
Jared L. Olar
December 6, 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.
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.
