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
During his lifetime, Charles Leonard Wilson (1863-1928) was notable in both his...
Jared L. Olar
December 18, 2025
Long ago, a large mill, known as the City Mills, was located...
Jared L. Olar
December 11, 2025
In the roll of German immigrants who became community pillars of Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
November 20, 2025
About 120 years ago, the northwest corner of Eighth Street and Park...
Jared L. Olar
September 19, 2025
In days gone by, Pekin was the home of several alcohol distilleries,...
Jared L. Olar
August 21, 2025
The landscape of Pekin, Illinois, is filled with the enduring historical evidence...
Jared L. Olar
June 26, 2025
Recently the ongoing rehabilitation and renovation work at the 900 and 902...
Jared L. Olar
June 12, 2025
Though Pekin has already lost much of the buildings lining its Courthouse...
Jared L. Olar
August 31, 2023
Recently a historical research query was submitted to the Pekin Public Library...
Jared L. Olar
November 10, 2022
This final installment in our series on the group of 19th century...
Jared L. Olar
October 27, 2022
This week we feature another of the six 19th-century downtown Pekin businesses...
Jared L. Olar
October 20, 2022
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.
