Hey kids! Did you know your hometown of Pekin has a birthday that's turning 200 years old? That's right — Pekin's Bicentennial is a huge deal, and this page is just for you. Grab a snack, get comfy, and let's have some fun learning about the place you call home.
Way Back When: Pekin's First Beginnings
Every town has a story about how it got started, and Pekin's is a pretty neat one. The very first settler arrived here long before there were roads, schools, or even a name for the town. Imagine what that must have been like — no cars, no electricity, no grocery stores! Just wide open land along the river, with trees, wildlife, and a whole lot of hard work ahead.
Not long after those early settlers arrived, something exciting happened: the first child was born here in 1827. That baby was one of the very first true Pekin kids, just like you! Think about how different life was back then compared to now. No video games, no phones — just imagination, chores, and maybe a few farm animals to help take care of.
Schools, Newspapers, and Growing Up
Pekin started growing pretty quickly after that. By 1830, the town opened its very first school. Can you imagine going to school in a tiny building with no computers, no buses, and maybe only one teacher for every grade? Kids back then still learned reading, writing, and math, just like you do today, but their classrooms looked a whole lot different.
As Pekin kept growing, people wanted to know what was happening around town, so eventually the Pekin Daily Times was founded. Newspapers were how people got their news before television or the internet existed. Families would gather around to read about local events, sports, and important happenings, almost like how you might check an app today to see what's going on in your neighborhood.
Fun Fact
- Pekin is proudly known as the Marigold Capital of the World!
- The city even celebrates this with its very own Marigold Festival every year.
- Marigolds are bright orange and yellow flowers that you'll see planted all around town, especially during festival season.
Marigolds, Festivals, and Community Pride
The very first Marigold Festival was a big moment for Pekin. It brought neighbors together to celebrate community pride with music, food, games, and of course, tons of marigold flowers. Even today, this tradition continues, giving kids and families something fun to look forward to every year.
Why marigolds? These cheerful flowers became a symbol of Pekin's spirit — bright, resilient, and able to thrive even through tough seasons. It's a fitting mascot for a town that has grown and changed so much over two centuries while still holding onto its roots.
Pekin isn't just a place on a map — it's a living story that keeps adding new chapters every single day, and that includes chapters written by kids like you.
Parks, Streets, and All the Space to Play
Here's something that might surprise you: Pekin is part of the largest park district in Illinois! That means there are tons of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for kids to run around, ride bikes, play sports, or just enjoy nature. Whether you like swinging on swings, playing soccer, or having a picnic with your family, there's probably a park nearby ready for adventure.
Pekin also has a whole lot of streets crisscrossing through town, connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses. Next time you're riding in the car, count how many street signs you can spot. It's a fun way to notice just how big and connected our community really is.
Pekin Today: A Growing Community
As of 2023, Pekin has a population that keeps this town buzzing with life — filled with families, students, teachers, shop owners, and lots of kids just like you who are growing up here right now. Every person who lives in Pekin adds their own little piece to the town's giant, ongoing story.
That's really what a Bicentennial celebration is all about — looking back at 200 years of history while also looking forward to the future that today's kids will help create. Someday, you might be the one telling stories about Pekin to your own kids or grandkids!
What's YOUR Pekin Story?
Now it's your turn to be part of history. We want to hear directly from you about what makes Pekin special. Here are some questions to help get your imagination going:
- What do you like most about living in Pekin?
- What school do you attend, and what do you like about it?
- Do you think you'll live in Pekin after you finish school? Why or why not?
- If you were the Mayor of Pekin, how would you promote the city and community?
- Did your parents go to school in Pekin? What stories have they shared with you?
- What would you change about Pekin, if anything?
- What's a fun memory you'd want to tell your own kids about someday?
- What's your favorite event you've attended in Pekin?
- If you wrote a book about Pekin, what would you title it?
- Do you know any famous people from Pekin?
- What do you think Pekin will look like in 2074? Or even 2124?
Your answers might become part of something really special. Stories shared for this project could even be chosen for a podcast interview, giving kids and families a chance to share their voice with the whole community during this historic Bicentennial year. Sharing your story helps make sure future generations know what it was really like to grow up in Pekin during this exciting time.
More Ways to Have Fun in Pekin
History isn't just something you read about — it's something you can explore! Check out the Gallery page to see pictures from Pekin's past and present, and don't forget there are plenty of community events, parks, and festivals throughout the year where you can make new memories of your own.
If you have questions, want to share your story, or just want to learn more about what's happening around town, feel free to visit our Contact Us page. Pekin's story is still being written, and we can't wait to see what page you add next.