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 many notable people of Pekin’s past were William John Conzelman...
Jared L. Olar
February 5, 2025
Among the special events of Pekin’s Bicentennial last year was the first-ever German...
Jared L. Olar
January 16, 2025
Long a pillar of Pekin’s community life, the Pekin YWCA at 315...
Jared L. Olar
May 21, 2024
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
In our previous installment in our Pekin Bicentennial series we reviewed the story...
Jared L. Olar
April 3, 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
In her 1902 account of the Pekin Public Library’s early history, Miss...
Jared L. Olar
April 22, 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.
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.
