It Didn't Play in Peoria: Missed Chances of a Middle American Town

by Greg Wahl, Charles Bobbitt, Illustrations by Hugh McGowan

"Will it play in Peoria?" was an old Vaudeville phrase meaning, "Will it appeal to the average person?" The Illinois city has gained fame through the years, but more often as the butt of jokes or as an example of the typical Middle American town than through any recognition of its many accomplishments. But it had greatness in its grasp, and more than once. Peoria boasts a string of close brushes with prosperity, any one of which could have made it a Chicago or a St. Louis. Charles Lindbergh, for example, first approached Peoria for backing for his historic flight, but the town's moneymen refused him and his Spirit of Peoria, perhaps losing a chance at the airline industry as well.

Genres: History

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jake Van Hoorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun look through little-known stories of Peoria’s long history!

[Ed Wagemann]

If you are interested in the history, folk lore or news stories about the greater Peoria area, then please join the Will It Play In Peoria discussion group:

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and informative look at Peoria's past. I definitely would recommend it to others interested in local history.