Day in Pekin -- May 5, 2010

Janet Lange, Executive Director of Continuing Education, was our guide as we spent the day touring attractions in her hometown.

The City of Pekin, population 33,857, is located along the eastern bank of the Illinois River and is rich in both agricultural and industrial heritage.

Our first stop was the Pekin Union Mission, where Director Scott Lange talked about its history and influence on generations of Pekin's "river folk." Next, we walked to the historic Tazewell County Courthouse for a tour of the building and a talk with legal professionals. We then drove along the Illinois River and through older neighborhoods for a look at historical homes.

Next, Henry Cakora met us at Mineral Springs Park Sunken Garden to discuss his creation known as the World's Greatest Sundial. During his talk, he explained how how the sundial was his quest for an education in celestial naviagation, then showed OLLI members how to predict the point of sunrise and sunset using the device.

After lunch in the park pavilion, we heard a presentation by Terri Gambetti of the Pekin Park District, then traveled to the Dirksen Congressional Center to learn more about the late Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen, a civil rights leader from Pekin. Our day concluded with a brief tour ofthe Dragon Dome, an indoor recreation facility on the edge of town.

OLLI thanks all of our hosts for making us feel so welcome during our visit to Pekin.