Originally built in 1882 for Edward S. Easton, a successful grain dealer who eventually helped organize the Peoria Board of Trade, this structure was sold after a short time to the Comstock family, who held it until 1941. Following many years serving as a funeral home, this residence has been renovared for marketing offices for Coverse Marketing. Elements of the Second Empire style are found in its Mansard roof, heavy cornice with dormers, and windows flanked by classical pilasters.January 2001

1855- Peoria's first gas street lamps, around the County Courthouse, went into full operation
1913- A series of mergers formed Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO)
1923- Construction began on R.S. Wallace station to meet growing consumer demand
1960- The 'Big Inch' year for construction. Two major gas lines were completed
1995- CILCO's Power Quest consumer choice pilot program was the first to demonstrate that competition in the electric utility industry works
1997- After a year-long battle, led by CILCO, the Ilinois House of Representatives approved HB362, setting into motion a transition to a competitive market.
1999- CILCO became part of the AES Corporation, the world's largest global power company that generates and distributes electricity to nearly 16 million customers in 16 countries

'The Old Reservior' The original reservoir was built in 1890-91 up on Grand Boulevard. Three steam engines at the Main pump house at river level could pump over 7 million gallons of water a day up the hill to the reservoir. Lined with over 870,000 paving bricks, the reservoir could store over 19 million gallons of water and had a maximum depth of 40 feet. When use was discontinued, the steam engines were replaced by electric motors, and the land donated to the Peoria Public School District. The reservoir has since been filled in and is used as athletic fields for adjoining Washington Gifted School.

The first John-Bee food market opened in October 1938 at 2311 Western Avenue. Founders were john Domenighini and Otis 'Bee' Hummell. Stores could also be found over time on Main next to the Varsity Theater and on University. John and Bill Barnhart. Domenighini's nephews, bought the current store at 3419 N. Prospect Road in 1970 and expanded it in the late 1980's.

The Peoria County Old Settlers Association begins work on a stone monument honoring their pioneering forefathers in this 1930 photo. Over 25,000 rocks were donated from anyone living in Peoria County for 40 years or more. The result was a stone monument measuring over 30 feet high and 11 feet in diameter. This tribute to our pioneering ancestors still stands today inside the grounds of the Glen Oak Zoo. Youngsters wanting to get to any of the District's parks or facilities, special events throughout the city or even to get to a summer job can utilize the Sun & Fun Bus Pass - It's their FREE ticket to summer fun.

May 27th - September 2nd, students age 17 and under can ride any GP Transit bus route (not including the History Trolley) FREE using the Sun & Fun Bus Pass!  Call 676-4040 for more information.

Circus! The Art, the Science and the Magic May 5 - August 12, 2001 at Lakeview Museum. The above photos were taken about 1918-1920 in the 400 block of SW Adams Street.

Picture 1- 'Highway Post Office Vehicle' The Highway Post Office took over the duties of transporting mail on the railroads within a short distance. For example, the Highway Post Office would pick mail up in Peoria and sort it on the way to Galesburg. The the Highway Post Office would pick up the mail in Galesburg and sort it on its way to Macomb. Pick up Macomb's mail and sort it on its way back to Peoria.

Picture 2 - 'Post Office on Wheels' The Post Office on Wheels is what the Postal Service uses today to sell stamps and take in mail in the community. The Peoria Post Office has such a unit, which we have used during the Holiday Season and for special events.

August 13, 1964 -

Adams and Liberty Street 1907.  Photo Courtesy of Lee Roten Historic Peoria File, R.W. Deller Collection.

Caterpillar in 1925, The Hold Manufacturing Co, and C.L. Best united to form Caterpillar Tractor Co.  Caterpillar is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2000.  Lower left corner: Buses and streetcars provided some relief for the traffic jams at change of shifts at Caterpillar in East Peoria.  October sponsored by Caterpillar.

President William McKinley dedicated the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, located in the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza, on October 6, 1899.  President McKinley arrived in Peoria with his entire cabinet, and unveiled the statue as the sculptor, Fritz Triebel, explained its various symbols and details to an audience of nearly 70,000.

Above is a draw plate oven used to bake products at Trefzger's Bakery,  photo taken between 1890-1904.  This oven was replaced in 1923 with two brick ovens.  Trefzger's was founded in 1861 by Simon Trefzger and was located at 54 Fulton Street.  In 1870 the bakery moved to the corner of Main and Monroe.  In 1953 they moved to the current location of 3504 N. Prospect.  Lower left corner, Trefzger Bakery at the corner of Main and Monroe, taken in the 1890's.  December is sponsored by Trefzger's Bakery.