A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
On 20 Sept. 1847, a ship that had been aptly christened the...
Jared L. Olar
December 26, 2025
In the roll of German immigrants who became community pillars of Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
November 20, 2025
Among the special events of Pekin’s Bicentennial last year was the first-ever German...
Jared L. Olar
January 16, 2025
This week we will begin to tell the story of the Reardon...
Jared L. Olar
April 20, 2023
As we saw last time, the Dietrich C. Smith family were the...
Jared L. Olar
April 13, 2023
In this week’s continuation of the history of 405 Willow St., we...
Jared L. Olar
April 6, 2023
One of Pekin’s community leaders in the latter part of the 1800s...
Jared L. Olar
February 9, 2023
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.
