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The interest of Peorians
in their history began long before the organization of
the present Society in 1934. A group known as The
Peoria Scientific and Historical Society existed as
early as 1839. The first organization known as The
Peoria Historical Society appeared in January, 1863.
The Peoria Scientific Association was organized on April
17, 1875. It had ten sections of interest, one of
which included history. In January, 1903, another
group, also called The Peoria Historical Society, had an
auspicious beginning but in time it also ceased to
exist.
On
January 13, 1934, a postal card, mailed to 75
persons bore the following message:
Paul M. Angle, librarian and secretary of the
Illinois State Historical Society, will address a meeting of persons
interested in local history at the University Club, Thursday, January
18th. Dinner at 6 o'clock. Fifty Cents. Reservation
necessary.
Henry H. Grimes,
Ernest E. East
Chairman
Nineteen persons attended that dinner and others
came later to hear Mr. Angle. "Local
Historical Societies, Their Opportunities and
Responsibilities" was his topic. He presented
methods by which local societies could collect and
preserve historical material.
The Peoria Historical Society
was born that evening when Y.A. Heghin "moved that a temporary president and
temporary secretary be elected and that the president be authorized to
appoint committees necessary to the organization of a permanent society or
association, which motion was carried by a viva voca vote." Henry H.
Grimes was chosen as the temporary president and Ernest E. East as temporary
secretary. Mr. Angle was made an honorary member of the organization.
At a later meeting Percival G. Rennick was elected the first permanent
president. |
