Let's Talk Peoria History

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

 


 


 

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