A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Last week we reviewed the historic newspaper resources available for researchers at...
Jared L. Olar
July 15, 2026
In reviewing Pekin’s 1876 U.S. Centennial celebrations last week, we examined what...
Jared L. Olar
July 9, 2026
Among the notables of Pekin’s pioneer past was Col. Thomas W. Cooper...
Jared L. Olar
November 13, 2025
This week we draw near to the conclusion of our series on...
Jared L. Olar
September 19, 2024
Our ongoing series on Pekin’s 1924 Centennial Celebration has now reached the...
Jared L. Olar
September 5, 2024
Pekin’s yearlong celebration of its bicentennial really ramps up tomorrow and this...
Jared L. Olar
July 3, 2024
The historic structure at the southeast corner of Court and Fourth streets...
Jared L. Olar
April 25, 2024
As Pekin’s Bicentennial Year continues and we now find ourselves in Black...
Jared L. Olar
February 8, 2024
Among the women and men of Pekin who have risen to fortune...
Jared L. Olar
February 16, 2023
In recent weeks, we have looked back to the way the groundwork...
Jared L. Olar
April 29, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
December 10, 2020
In past decades, it was the practice for a community’s newspapers to...
Jared L. Olar
June 12, 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.
Explore Your Roots
Discover your Family's History
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.
