Random Musings
Best line I’ve heard in a long time: “Prohibition was law in the rest of the United States. It was a suggestion in Peoria.”
I made it to F.Scott’s to say farewell, as promised. They did not disappoint. I’m going to really miss that place.
Although I had been told otherwise, the ADM plant in Peoria produces enormous quantities of grain alcohol which is shipped to Russia and available at Friar Tucks as imported Russian Vodka.
Did you know that MacQueen Ave is in the West Bluff? I didn’t either. Thankfully the Journal Star is there to help me with my confusion.
There are a large quantity of Peoria history “picture books” available, but has anyone else noticed that not one of them really tell Peoria’s long and deep history? I like old pictures and all, but even the most substantial book that I know of, Jerry Klein’s PEORIA!, seems to only scratch the surface. And God forbid someone would publish something about the Liquor, Prostitution, Gambling and Corruption that shaped this city in the early 1900’s.
January 28th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
That’s my complaint about the so-called History of Peoria museum being planned with taxpayer dollars and being run by chamber of commerce booster types who do not give a tinker’s damn about the truth, but in promoting tourism. Look for lots of exhibits about tractors and Fibber McGee and Molly, but NOTHING about speakeasies or Richard Pryor.
Feh.
But there are books about Peoria’s seamy past.
January 29th, 2007 at 2:44 am
Well, where do you consider the start of the “West Bluff”? Does it start west of Knoxville or west of University?
Just curious.
By the way, loved the photos on the state hospital.
January 29th, 2007 at 10:50 am
What I consider the west bluff is from Western to Knoxville, and from I74 to Moss, looping around to include the Randolph-Roanoke area, which extends partially on the other side of I74.
I don’t think MacQueen is in the west bluff, nor is Agatuccis or Loucks school.
What is technically considered the west bluff? I have no idea.
January 29th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
The West Bluff Council is made up of:
Uplands, Moss-Bradley, Orchard District (previously known as Flora-Ellis), High Wine Home Owners, Arbor District, Randolph Roanoke Residential Association, University East, and West Peoria Homeowners.
This would logically comprise the west bluff. South of I-74, north of MLK drive, to the city line westward but apparently including West Peoria.
January 29th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Ya’ll know where Skyye vodka is made?
January 29th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Back in them good old days, things were more or less assumed to be as such…
South side – bounded by downtown, the river, 7th ave and the southern (which is really west) city limits
North side – bounded by downtown, the river, the bluffs below Glen Oak Ave and Abington (though most threw in Averyville)
East Bluff – Glen Oak Ave, the east bluffs above the river, Knoxville Ave and War Memorial.
West Bluff – Knoxville Ave, the bluffs behind Moss/High, Western and depending on who you talked to, north to Nebraska, or daring to McClure or really out there to War Memorial.
Then there are those who came out with Center Bluff or Middle Bluff or something like that, which was generally bounded by Nebraska, Knoxville, University and War Memorial.
Anything above War Memorial was “Richwoods”, where people from the South and North sides needed a passport to visit.
I remember a grade school trip to Lakeview Museum (about when it opened) and all of us North Side kids thinking it was an overnite drive and did we need sleeping bags?
January 30th, 2007 at 8:12 am
Pekin.
January 30th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Pekin?
January 30th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Skyye vodka – in the blue bottle. You mentioned vodka before.
January 30th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
I spent my entire pre-college education in District 150 schools and never heard a word about Peoria history, esp. the source of so much of the wealth that shaped the town. I have always believed that a unit on local history would be well-received by Dist. 150 kids (jr high age or high school) and force them to look at their town in a new way.
I was 23 years old before I learned about the distilling history, and that’s because a co-worker who had relocated from out of town gave me the details.
The Peoria Historical Society had some information / display about it in the early 1990s but I think that the driving staff member (young, progressive and fascinated by Peoria’s seamy side) had a short-lived career in town.
m.
January 31st, 2007 at 7:04 am
There is actually an episode of Modern Marvels on the History Channel that talks about Skyye Vodka and show the Pekin distillery.
February 4th, 2007 at 9:14 am
I decided to check out F Scott’s as I have heard of it and after reading about it’s demise here and on other blogs. The floor is truly sunken in places as I sat on a slant at the bar while waiting on a table. I went with my wife. We each had a drink at the bar. $20 for one drink each. Seems a bit overpriced. I also found their menu limited and overpriced. Come on $6 for a baked potato? I guess I’m not sophisicated enough to enjoy spending over $100 for a meal for two (including tip) for a steak that was no better than one I have had at the Long Horn Steakhouse for $14.99. I guess there is a market for this place, but not for me.
February 4th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I’m not saying F.Scott’s is a place to go every weekend, but there is no way that you can compare it to Long Horn. It starts with the great atmosphere and impecible service. The food is far and away some of the best in town. I had the pork chop for $21- not cheap, but probably the best chop I’ve ever eaten. My wife had the $31 Filet. I’m not much of a steak guy, but she said it was great. We split our sides of creamed spinach (awesome!), asparagas, and garlic potatoes ($6 – $7 ea). We also had a bottle of wine for around $30.
Our bill was also around $100 and we enjoyed every moment. We could’ve blown $50 at Lone Star, had some so-so food with so-so service and a night that would’ve been soon forgotten. I’m glad we chose the former.
Is it overpriced for Peoria? Judging by the crowds that are in there everytime we have went, no. Is it strictly for once a year anniversary/special occasions? For us, yes.