A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
This is a revised and updated version of one of our “From...
Jared L. Olar
August 6, 2026
In an hour-long Flag Day ceremony with an atmosphere full of the...
Jared L. Olar
June 18, 2026
Among the notables of Pekin’s pioneer past was Col. Thomas W. Cooper...
Jared L. Olar
November 13, 2025
Coming right on the heels of last year’s Pekin Bicentennial celebrations, the...
Jared L. Olar
September 25, 2025
Our Bicentennial series on the history of Pekin continues this week with...
Jared L. Olar
March 28, 2024
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
November 23, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
December 27, 2019
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
December 13, 2019
Following up on our recent accounts of how Pekin became an incorporated...
Jared L. Olar
May 25, 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.
