A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Among the prominent figures of Pekin’s history was Julius Franz Jaeckel (1862-1950),...
Jared L. Olar
November 6, 2025
Although Pekin voted to incorporate as a city in 1849, Pekin had...
Jared L. Olar
May 30, 2024
By Jared L. Olar, Local History Program Coordinator, and Linda Mace, Library...
Jared L. Olar
May 18, 2024
As Pekin has now entered its Bicentennial Year, it’s good to recall...
Jared L. Olar
January 4, 2024
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
February 4, 2021
This is a revised version of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
October 26, 2018
This is a revised version of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
October 12, 2018
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.
