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Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, sitting on the side of the Illinois
River, is the largest city on that river and the fifth biggest in Illinois;
named after the Native Indians that traversed the area many centuries ago.
Because of its diverse demographics, the city has become synonymous with the
average Midwestern family and is considered in many polls, test markets and
services. During the vaudeville heyday, the most asked question on the
circuit was, "will it play in Peoria?", meaning that if any show did well in
that city, then it would do well in the rest of the country. It is one of
the oldest settlements in Illinois, as explorers going up the Mississippi
ventured off onto the Illinois and settled the area in 1680. In 813, Fort
Clark was built along the river and later became Peoria.
The first
industry was a flour mill, then a pork plant; carriage factories, pottery
makers, warehousing, ice harvesting, furniture makers and casting foundries
eventually found their way into the marketplace from this city. The city
became a world leader in the distillery business and in the mid 1800s, had
22 distilleries and numerous breweries. It paid the highest amount of
alcohol tax in the nation and during prohibition, continued its reign with
the likes of the Shelton brothers notorious mobster gang. All of this money
coming in assisted the city in building beautiful homes, churches, parks,
schools and municipal buildings. Many farm equipment factories were built
and soon the major companies manufacturing in the city were; Avery
Manufacturing Co., Acme Harvester, Selby, Starr & Co., and Kingman Plow Co.
In 1889, the Keystone Steel & Wire company began making wire fencing and has
continued being the top manufacturer of this for over a hundred years.
During this period, the Rouse Hazard Co. began dealing in bicycles and
accessories, and Frank Duryea, one of the cycle manufacturers created the
first commercially gas powered automobile, in 1893.
Circumstance led to the earth moving and tractor equipment companies to grow
and help make Peoria the world leader in this area. Caterpillar Tractor Co.
was formed in 1925 out of the Holt Co. and Best Tractor Co. and is still the
leading equipment manufacturer today. LeTourneau's earth moving company
began making scrapers and dozers in 1935 and now has evolved into the
Komatsu-Dresser Haulpak Division.
The city
has a U.S. courthouse, Peoria Civic Center and world headquarters of
Caterpillar Inc.; with medicine becoming very important in the area. Three
major hospitals, the USDA's National Center for Agriculture Utilization
Research lab is here, where massive doses of penicillin were developed.
Downtown has converted many warehouses and office buildings into riverfront
lofts, apartments and condos. It has a number of wonderful museums, the
Steamboat Classic, which is the world biggest 4 mile running race, Apollo
Theater, O'Brien Field, art galleries, restaurants and entertainment centers
around the riverfront area. Grandview Drive, runs through the city; and
Teddy Roosevelt said it was the most beautiful drive in the country, when he
visited in 1910. There are 9000 acres of parks, the Glen Oak Zoo and
numerous golf courses. The symphony orchestra is the tenth oldest in the
country, with an opera, municipal band, youth symphony and two ballets;
comedy clubs, and a huge fair called the Heart of Illinois Fair each year.
It also has almost 20 places listed in the National Historic Registry and
numerous sports teams.
When
traveling to Peoria, the
best way to get around is with a new vehicle from the rental
companies. Most visitors save money, time and worries by doing it
this way, as well as adding flexibility to their busy schedules.
Many people prefer to pick up their vehicle at or near the Peoria
Airport, since they have a better choice. The rental car company
can pick you up at or near the Peoria Airport if you prefer and save
you the headache. Whatever your needs might be, we can help you
choose the best compact, mid-size, full-size, luxury car, minivan or
SUV. The next trip to Peoria will be better when you let us help
you choose a great rental car.
Dollar Rental Car Specials
Dollar Rental Car - Chicago O'Hare International
Airport
Dollar Car Rental - Chicago Regional Airport
At the Wheels of Time Museum, you will enjoy the many
exhibit and displays of bygone wheeled machines, as well as, Lionel trains,
a calliope in a fancy wagon with clown, a barbershop quartet with the
representations of 4 ex-presidents, dolls, electric motors, labor saving
devices for the farm, 1924 Best Tractor, vintage clothing, golf equipment, a
player piano, numerous juke boxes, 1925 Holt 2 tone tractor, washing
machines from the early 1900s, tools, toys, musical instruments, clocks,
stereopticon, Packards, 1925 Velie auto, model Ts, 2 Peoria built Glides
from the late teens and many other autos from the early 1900s to the 1980s.
Outside they have a Rock Island steam engine with tender, TP & W caboose,
Plymouth switch engine, gazebo, old windmill, Milwaukee Road combine car and
a display of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis in three quarter size.
Thrifty Rental
Car Specials
Thrifty Rental Car - Chicago O'Hare Airport
Thrifty
Car Rental -
Chicago Midway Airport
In 1920, the Madison Theater opened in Peoria showing
silent pictures, and was put on the list of National Register of Historic
Places in 1980. Over the years, shows, then concerts were held in this
beautiful Italian Renaissance building. It finally closed in 2002, but was
eventually reopened as a comedy club, which it is still today. In the
lobby, the terra cotta plasterwork surrounds an intricate triple arched
window just above the marquee and the classical plasterwork on the domed
ceilings and walls are a memory of yesterday when craftmenship was in
demand. You can not only enjoy the historical beauty of this magnificent
building, but come in the evening and enjoy the comedy shows. |