Did you know the City of Pekin is 200 years old? Lots of things have changed in 200 years, but a lot has stayed the same too. In this year of the bicentennial, I wanted to highlight some of the history and some of the future of our business community. Please forgive me that I miss some of our wonderful businesses.

Hinners Organ Company, established in the 1880s as Hinners & Fink, was one of the more unique manufacturers of Pekin through its closure in 1942. Hinners built over 10,000 organs across several different models, the largest of which sold for $185.  American Distilling Company came right behind Hinners, establishing in Pekin in the early 1890s and taking the six 6 acres and went through multiple phases of change and expansion as well as multiple brand names including American Pride, Cologne Springs, and English Dry Gin among many others. Lasting through Prohibition and disasters, the plant eventually ventured into other aspects of distillation towards industrial and fuel applications. Alto Ingredients stands where American Distilling once did today. Pekin Insurance also made its history through the 20th century, growing from a donated room in the County courthouse and only 187 policies in 1921 to its modern facility on Court Street and doing business in 21 states. 

These are just a few examples of the rich history of Pekin’s business community not to mention the many historical buildings and long-standing traditions kept alive by the local businesses. As we look forward into Pekin’s next 200 years, I would be remiss not to mention the growth we see coming to Pekin. Cullinan has taken over East Court Village with vigor in signing three retail leases with national companies. Downtown has seen hundreds of thousands of dollars of reinvestment and the opening of over 10 new businesses in the last two years. And, the City is currently working with an international industrial company that may put their first US location right here in Pekin. So, when people ask us, “Why Pekin,” I turn right around and ask them, “Why not Pekin?” We are growing and looking to lead the growth of this region into the future.

Sources available upon request

Upcoming Events:

May 25: Twisted Cat Fishing Tournament

May 30-June 2: Pekin Civic Chorus

June 15: Downtown Concert Series – 2nd Chance 

July 4: 4th of July – Honor America Celebration

July 27: Downtown SuperCruise

August 24: Downtown Concert Series – Revel in Red

September 4: Taste of Pekin

September 5-8: Pekin Marigold Festival

September 28: Downtown Concert Series – Stone Cold Cowboys & Mixtape Mayhem

December 6: Christmas on Court