Category Archives: Peoria

Peoria

Peoria – Home of Championship Football

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After a five year dry spell, Peoria is once again home of Championship Football. To make up for lost time, Peoria area schools won two state Champions. Peoria High School won 5A and Deer Creek Mackinaw won 2A – both for their first time in school history.

Peoria High School took their high scoring offense to the championship and were tested every step of the way against an evenly matched Vernon Hills team. The match was like watching two heavy weights go at it for 6 rounds. But in the end it was Peoria’s defense that took the ball from Vernon Hills in their last three possessions then marched on to outscore them 62-48. Junior running back Geno Hess ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns for Peoria High. Senior Jaleen James added 67 yards and a touchdown.

peoriahigh5achamps
2016 – QB, Coran Taylor takes the keeper past two defenders from Vernon Hills

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Peoria

People Of Peoria

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The first person most people think of from Peoria is our famous son, Richard Pryor. Granted, Richard rose from the lowest of means to become perhaps one of the most influential comedians in the last 50 years. In the spirit of expanding the world’s view of Peoria, allow me to educate you on some of the other famous sons and daughters from Peoria.

Susan G. Koman

KomanFoundationLogoAlthough her life was shortened by breast cancer, perhaps our most famous Peorian is Susan G. Koman. Koman’s sister, Nancy Goodman Brinker, founded the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982 as a promise between two sisters. More than 20 years later, the Komen Foundation is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and international Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world. Continue reading People Of Peoria →

Peoria

Will it Play in Peoria?

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The phrase, “If it plays in Peoria” originally comes from Peoria’s deep connection to Vaudeville. You might ask how Vaudeville came to Peoria, of all places. Among other things, the Illinois River brought Vaudeville to Peoria.

In the Civil War era, show boats would cruise rivers of the country making stops at river towns like Peoria, Pekin, and Chillicothe. Around 1900, one of those showboaters – a minstrel singer named “Honey Bay” Evans – decided to stay bringing his act to Rouses Hall. By 1902, Rouses Hall changed its name to the Main Street Theater and was a bona fide Vaudeville house.

The Orpheum opened on Madison just north of Main about 1910. The Orpheum was part of a circuit of theaters created by Martin Beck of the New York Orpheum. If you could make it at the Orpheum in Peoria, you had a crack at the Orpheum in New York. Continue reading Will it Play in Peoria? →

Peoria

Peoria, IL: Center of The Universe

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FrigidPeoriaWhy Do I Call It “Center of The Universe”?

Scientists believe that the center of the universe is either a place you cannot reach or a place that you cannot escape. When you’re traveling by air to or from Peoria during Fall, Winter, or Spring it often feels like a place you cannot escape or reach.

Over the years I’ve traveled extensively. Whenever I introduce myself, I get those interesting questions and funny looks. I hear “Peoria, IL, Caterpillar, right?” Or “Peoria, IL, Richard Pryor, right?” Many say “If it plays in Peoria…” I find that everyone has misconceptions of Peoria, IL. In response to their misconceptions, I go into my pitch about how Peoria is such a great place to raise a family. Then, I drop little bits of Peoria trivia in order to change their perceptions. I’ve got quite a list.

Men in Black 1 – Agent K says ‘1,500 years ago, everybody “knew” that the earth was the center of the universe. 500 years ago, everybody “knew” that the earth was flat. And 15 minutes ago, you “knew” that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you’ll “know” tomorrow.’

My hope with this site is that you will get to “know” Peoria the way I’ve come to know Peoria. Do you know where the term “If it plays in Peoria” came from? Do know how WBMD radio got their call sign? Did you know Peoria is the home of the first commercially available automobile? Continue reading Peoria, IL: Center of The Universe →