Urban Artifacts - Peoria

08/10/2026

We’ve been rearranging and adding fresh picks to our inventory!

08/07/2026

Urban Artifacts is set up at the Rustbelt Americana show in East Moline Friday and Saturday.

The show is the creation of Rob Wolfe and is put on once a year at the Bend Event Center. Features 100’s of quality vendors from around the country.

While we are at the show for the next couple of days the shop will be open normal hours. Friday 12-5 and Sat 11-5.

Rust Belt Americana

08/05/2026

New week, new (old) stuff.

Wednesday-Friday 12-5 and Saturday 11-5

Near the corner of W Main and Sheridan Rd.

925 Sheridan Road, Peoria Il. 61606

08/02/2026

Spent the day at a small town auction. They were selling off the contents of an old hardware store that has been shuttered for years.

Some of these little Midwest towns are just barely hanging on.

The Masonic hall upstairs is one of the few things still in operation in this downtown. They still have an operating bank. But no Casey’s.

One storefront the roof and interior had completely collapsed into the basement.

Next to that was the remnants of an old Skelly filling station.

But still so much charm and character with what remains.

07/31/2026

We have lots of antiquey type things for those looking for more traditional old stuff.

07/29/2026

Here's an artifact from an old Peoria West Main St business - Sheridan Inn.

8' long Budweiser lighted sign that hung in the back of the establishment in the 1950's.

You can see it hanging on the back wall in the photo.

This is a big heavy sign. Takes two people to lift.

$300

07/27/2026

Original unused award ribbons from the Heart of Illinois Fair.

$4-$6 each while supplies last.

07/27/2026

Just a small sampling of some the authentic car parts we have recently acquired.

Stop by and see lots more like this.

07/26/2026

If you have any interest in how Peoria earned the title “Whiskey Capital of the World” you should watch this.

It’s 40 minutes long but very educational.

Note this is an AI generated documentary. Pictures don’t always line up with the story but in general it’s pretty good for what it is.

Peoria was once more than a growing city on the Illinois River — it...