A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
As we have mentioned here more than once, William H. Bates (1840-1930)...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2026
The first years of Pekin’s existence coincided with a period when men...
Jared L. Olar
April 18, 2024
One of the notable residents of Pekin of times past was an...
Jared L. Olar
February 2, 2023
On Friday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m., in the Pekin Public Library...
Jared L. Olar
August 31, 2018
This is a slightly revised version of one of our “From the...
Jared L. Olar
April 27, 2018
Last week’s column featured the Civil War discharge paper of William H....
Jared L. Olar
June 10, 2016
Older Pekin residents will remember the old railroad bridge that once spanned...
Jared L. Olar
December 11, 2015
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.
