A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Perhaps the most notable of all the Revolutionary War Patriots who are...
Jared L. Olar
October 22, 2026
For Tazewell County, the Juneteenth holiday during the American Semiquincentennial year of...
Jared L. Olar
June 25, 2026
As we have mentioned here more than once, William H. Bates (1840-1930)...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2026
With our country now celebrating its Semiquincentennial (250 years), this is an...
Jared L. Olar
March 12, 2026
During this year of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, it is an opportune time...
Jared L. Olar
February 19, 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
Coming right on the heels of last year’s Pekin Bicentennial celebrations, the...
Jared L. Olar
September 25, 2025
Before the formal platting and surveying of the little pioneer settlement that...
Jared L. Olar
January 11, 2024
In September 2013 and January 2014, we recalled a dramatic story that...
Jared L. Olar
July 14, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
October 21, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
September 25, 2020
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.
