A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
A total of 84 Illinois counties were organized from 1790 (when Illinois...
Jared L. Olar
April 23, 2026
One of Pekin’s oldest churches is preparing to celebrate its 175th anniversary...
Jared L. Olar
October 2, 2025
As we continue our Pekin Bicentennial series, this week and the next...
Jared L. Olar
April 25, 2024
As we continue our Bicentennial series on Pekin’s history, this week we...
Jared L. Olar
March 7, 2024
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
October 2, 2020
This month in which we have observed President Abraham Lincoln’s 211th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
February 21, 2020
Not even two whole generations had elapsed since Illinois’ admission as the...
Jared L. Olar
August 9, 2018
This is a revised version of a “From the Local History Room”...
Jared L. Olar
July 27, 2018
Previously in our ongoing Illinois Bicentennial series, we saw how the controversy...
Jared L. Olar
June 1, 2018
A total of 84 Illinois counties were organized from 1790 (when Illinois...
Jared L. Olar
April 6, 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.
