A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
With the United States of America preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
January 22, 2026
The customers of First Pekin Savings Bank, 532 Court St., can read...
Jared L. Olar
May 18, 2024
Pekin Mayor Mary Burress will formally inaugurate Pekin’s yearlong calendar of Bicentennial...
Jared L. Olar
January 18, 2024
This week our series on the 19th-century downtown Pekin business cards turns...
Jared L. Olar
September 8, 2022
Last month we examined some fascinating details of Pekin’s founding that were...
Jared L. Olar
August 19, 2016
Quite a lot has happened in Pekin in the 192 years since...
Jared L. Olar
July 29, 2016
Ben C. Allensworth’s 1905 “History of Tazewell County” devotes an entire chapter...
Jared L. Olar
July 21, 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.
