A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Among the notable men of Pekin’s history, James Michael Haines (1822-1909) was...
Jared L. Olar
September 11, 2025
Recently I was asked to research the history of the residential property...
Jared L. Olar
March 6, 2025
One of Pekin’s more recent downtown businesses is a café and gift...
Jared L. Olar
October 26, 2023
By Jared Olar Library Assistant Last week we reviewed the earliest history...
Jared L. Olar
March 4, 2021
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
September 11, 2020
This month in which we have observed President Abraham Lincoln’s 211th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
February 21, 2020
Pekin officially has been organized as a city since 1849. That year...
Jared L. Olar
April 14, 2017
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.
