You know you're from Peoria if... (Pekin, East Peoria: apartments, theatre, school)

[Granny Sue]

Originally Posted by linicx

Nope, the grandson of some very weathly fellow in Europe bought the whole Vonachon's corner and tore everyting out. He's building, or did build a new motel and shops or ???? there. Jumer's Castle Lodge was purchased by Mariott Hotels. I don't then they still food. Jim Jumer opened a hotel and casino in the Quad Cities.

Yup! I say you remember Peoria very well.

I remember a few things I guess...my 1st ticket was over in Creeve Coure.
I worked at the K-mart across the street from Northwoods Mall. I've been told it's no longer there.

My one claim to fame was...drum roll please..lol...I was an original crew member of the Bartonville McDonalds. It was at the top of the hill in front of the Pizza Hut.

My Dad lives in Washington, so I get back to that area from time to time.

Oh! And I know where Pottstown is!! Do I get a prize???

Great list and great memories

[kramer1]

Alexis Khazzam did NOT tear down Vonachen's Old Place restaurant (or the attached train) when he remodeled the shopping center a few years ago. He actually designed the remodeled center to complement the train theme. The VOPs building itself - and the train - are still standing (at least they were this morning when I drove up Prospect).

However, VOPs did close for business late last year, and I have heard that there NOW may be a plan to tear it down as there has been no interest in the building as it currently stands.

[linicx]

Not to get off the beaten track too far... I was misinformed. I was told the entire area was torn down and a new motel and shops were constructed. I thank you for the correct information. I do not know what it is called now, but I had many a meal when it was Vonachon's Junction and a couple family gatherings at VOP. I loved the train but not the dreary meeting room. The food was always good, but the service wasn't too great the last time the 30 of us had lunch.

[kramer1]

No motel at Junction City either, btw.

[peopal]

I WAS the talking Christmas Tree at Bergner's!

[linicx]

The Christmas Tree was in Bergner's Sheridan Village. Maid Rite moved a couple of times, it is now on Willow Knolls Road. A grocer store took K-Mart building. Cohen's is gone. The SV store and CEFCU will soon be a Hi-Vee Grocery. CEFCU moved into the CarniVal Shoe building for the time being. I believe that are going back into the shopping center. Fanny May Candy is in the parking lot. Lum's is gone. Holme's shoes moved out to the Grand Shoppes with Underwood's. Lippman moved to Pioneer Parkway. Mr K's is gone, too. Metro Center has a permanent farmer's marke, Electolux, a new natural foods store and a lovely chinese restaurant. Charlie Cook is dead. Broms took the building and stock. My son has taken the Lum's building shortly before he died. There'a fairly new shopping center on 150 with Steak n Shake, Lowe's, Pet's Mart, CUBS food and some other stuff. Lagrone-Mller moved from Main to Sterling.

Peoria is growing. The Pere Marquette and zoo entrance renovation is proceeding, and The Block is moving from the planning board to reality. It ought to be something when it opens. The biggest difference is the area between Fulton and Western has been rreally cleaned up and does not look the same. Western between Jumers and Adams was renovated too. And the Peoria Park District is now 9.000 acres.

[mdand3boys]

The train cars are now gone. Sad. I remember many family meals while growing up seated in those famous rail cars.

Iconic railroad car makes its way to new home - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

.

[linicx]

I ate at Vonachon's for fifty years. The thing I miss the most is the old Peoria Journal Star. It is not the same. It was a great paper; now it is a name in NY portfolio. I was pretty sure when the durgstore in The Junction closed it was the beginning of the end of an era. The train is the end of Pete's train is the close of an era in Peoria, and the end of an era when train travel was affordable and enjoyable. .

[nyyfanatic85]

Surprised no one mentioned Leonardo's Pizza. That location across from Aldi's on War Memorial was one of my favorite places to eat growing up!

[grmngrl8203]

Or what about Imo's Ice Cream?