Pettengill-Morron House Museum (2013.17.1)

The Pettengill-Morron House Museum was built by Moses Pettengill in 1868 in the Second Empire architectural style, the house has 11 rooms. The museum contains a unique collection of objects from several Peoria families. In 1900 a colonial revival porch and porte-cochere were added, giving the home a grand Victorian appearance. Jean Morron acquired the property from the John Boyd Stone family in 1953 and owned the house until her death in 1966. After her death the house and its contents were given to the Peoria Historical Society.

"William Hardin, president and owner of Hardin Signs in Peoria, IL, has painted nearly all his life, but in the early years he wasn’t satisfied with his attempts at portraits. About 30 years ago, he traveled to New York to study under artist John Howard Sanden after responding to a one-inch ad in a national art magazine. He applied the money he received from his first commission toward the portrait class and trip to New York. “It was the most rewarding experience in my life, and my work improved to the level I had hoped to achieve. It was money well spent,” --- Bradley Hilltopics, Bradley University