Peru Historical Society

10/16/2026

Visitors to Peru City Cemetery may have noticed the impressive stone mausoleum bearing the name WHITTLE. With its stately columns and substantial stonework, it looks like the final resting place of a wealthy and prominent family. But the story behind it is quite unexpected... https://www.peruhistoricalsociety.org/2026/10/16/above-ground-for-eternity-a-coal-miners-wish/

10/15/2026

Peru Illinois Theater opened January 1931, operated by the LaSalle based Alger Theatres chain. The theater was still part of the Alger chain into the 50's then owned by Kerosotas - Razed in 1980.

10/09/2026

Next up, Father Joseph B. Raho: A Story of Correction and Caution. Read how a beloved priest's name was lost over time. If the link doesn't work - I pasted it also in the comments. A special thanks to the LaSalle County Genealogy Guild who helped us find one of the more definitive records with Father Raho's name. (The story is not AI generated, but the sketch is.)

Today, a casual search online for information about the first Catholic priests assigned to the LaSalle Mission in Illinois will result in the names Father John Blasius Raho and Aloysius John Parodi. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will also confidently state, as it is known to do, the priests were Rev....

10/08/2026

We are grateful to everyone who follows, supports, and contributes to the work of the Peru Historical Society. Our goal is to share local history as accurately and responsibly as possible. For that reason, we try to cite the records, newspapers, photographs, and other sources behind the stories we tell.

A recent project reminded us, historical research is an ongoing process, and new evidence can change our understanding of the past. So we want to encourage everyone, if you have documents, photographs, family records, or other reliable information that corrects or adds to something we have shared, we warmly welcome and encourage you to contact us. We are never reluctant to correct the record—our first responsibility is to tell the most complete and accurate story the evidence allows.

10/04/2026

We've heard the stories of how people in our area had to move their loved ones from the old LaSalle Mission Cemetery to St. Vincent Cemetery after the late 1850s. But until now, we have not seen a documented account of that "sad duty." Read Bridget Halligan's story with listing of the expenses for the removal and reburial of remains of her children and brother-in-law paid by her deceased husband's estate.

People in the Illinois Valley may be familiar with the story of the LaSalle Mission, the early Catholic burial ground at 24th and Chartres streets—also known as Wenzel and Airport roads. If so, they may also be aware of the eventual removal of remains from that cemetery to St. Vincent Cemetery dur...

10/02/2026

Inspired by the creative ways other historical organizations have brought old photographs to life, we used AI to animate actual photos to create this video of Peru’s steamboat history. We hope this video helps you imagine what Peru’s riverfront once looked and felt like when the arrival of a steamboat was part of life along the river.

10/02/2026

Throughout October, the Peru Historical Society will share stories about Peru’s cemeteries and some of the people laid to rest within them—individuals whose lives helped shape our community.

Many historical societies offer cemetery walks as a way to introduce residents to the people and events of the past. Although we are not yet positioned to hold an in-person walk, we hope this virtual series will provide another thoughtful and respectful way to remember those who came before us.

We begin with the story of the LaSalle Mission Cemetery, an early burial ground closely connected to the history of both LaSalle and Peru: https://www.peruhistoricalsociety.org/2026/10/02/the-lasalle-mission-cemetery/ (the photo here is of St. Vincent Cemetery that replaced the LaSalle Mission Cemetery)

If you have any thoughts about our Society hosting an in-person cemetery walk to share stories of the lives of people buried there, please let us know in the comments!

Below is a very short summary of the LaSalle Mission Cemetery for those who may not be aware of this long abandoned, Catholic burial ground and its importance to the early, local community: When this area was first settled in the 1830s, there was little infrastructure other than the river and some t...

09/25/2026

Peru, Illinois - Learn about the start of Western Clock / Westclox this coming Tuesday at Peru Historical Society meeting - Public always encouraged and welcome to attend. Meeting and presentation at Peru City Hall back lot entrance at 6:30pm. Presentation will be in main Council Chamber. No cost, donations appreciated.

09/22/2026

Peru, Illinois - photos from the bathroom walls of the Westclox Museum. Come join us at our next Peru Historical Meeting at Peru City Hall on Tuesday the 29th at 6:30pm for an Awesome presentation of the History of Westclox. You won’t want to miss this one.

09/22/2026

Westclox historian Gary Biolchini will share with us the history of Westclox at this month's meeting. All are welcome and encouraged to attend to learn about this important industry that once employed more than 5000 people from our area.

If you have cool Westclox memorabilia you can bring it and share its story with the group too!