Local Historians have wonderful stories to tell. Our talented local writers and researchers often find gems of local history that have escaped being chronicled. Here are a collection of essays that will reveal little know facts about Peoria and it's history.
Contributors:
Norman V. Kelly
Norm is a local historian and author who most recently wrote a story entitled, "The Mystery of the Missing Manuscript" for The Big Read Peoria Reads which incorporated local history into a story about the 2009 book choice The Maltese Falcon. His book, UNTIL YOU ARE DEAD, detailing all of Peoria’s executions is available in the Peoria Public Library. Much of his writing comes from his real life experiences as a private detective in Peoria. Norm welcomes your comments and questions and can be reached at norman.kelly@sbcglobal.net.
Read these stories by Norm Kelly by clicking on the title, then leave a comment if you like.
Early Peoria Killers
A Hallmark Murder
St. Mary's Cathedral
Peoria Gangsters
Was Peoria Run by Gangsters?
The Shoemaker
My Home in ElVista
The Shoot-Out at Larson's Barbershop
Terror on a Downtown Streetcar
Peoria's 1918 Spanish Flu Terror
Saturday Night in Peoria
Jimmy Runs Amock
A Summation of Murder
My Mother's Christmas Tree
Murder in the Heartland
Beer: Hail to the King!
Peoria: A Bawdy, Lusty Town
Peoria: 1920 and 1921
The Corruption of a Small Town
1913
A Shelton Chronicle
Operation Earthmover
The Grand Opera House
Bye-Bye Miss Birdie
Here's Where We Came In