A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Roots of religion in Illinois Before the arrival of European explorers and...
Jared L. Olar
August 27, 2026
As we have mentioned here more than once, William H. Bates (1840-1930)...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2026
This week we’ll continue with our review of the names of the...
Jared L. Olar
April 9, 2026
After our recalling the story of the creation of Tazewell County last...
Jared L. Olar
March 19, 2026
With our country now celebrating its Semiquincentennial (250 years), this is an...
Jared L. Olar
March 12, 2026
Continuing our “America 250”-themed recollections of the early history of Tazewell County...
Jared L. Olar
February 12, 2026
With the United States of America preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
January 22, 2026
Among Pekin’s pioneer families, one of the earliest to arrive was the...
Jared L. Olar
August 14, 2025
Gideon Hawley (1797-1852) and his family were among the earliest pioneer settlers...
Jared L. Olar
July 9, 2025
The seed from which Pekin grew was the log cabin that pioneer...
Jared L. Olar
November 27, 2024
While Pekin traces its origin to the 1824 arrival of Jonathan Tharp...
Jared L. Olar
November 13, 2024
Pekin Mayor Mary Burress will formally inaugurate Pekin’s yearlong calendar of Bicentennial...
Jared L. Olar
January 18, 2024
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.
