Urban Artifacts - Peoria

07/16/2026

“Star Model Beer was a popular pale lager brewed by the Star Union Products Company in Peru, Illinois. Produced from 1845 until 1966, it was a staple in local bars across the Illinois Valley.”

Fresh out of a local estate we have Star Model beer bottles with original paper labels and a wood crate with amazing graphics!

07/15/2026

One of our favorite things about growing up in Central Illinois was looking forward to attending the Annual Heart of Illinois Fair at Exposition Gardens in July!

It was always hot but we didn’t care. Caterpillar was on vacation and the whole family would venture out to Northmoor Road to see what was new and what traditions had returned.

While there were so many fond memories of the HOI Fair, some of the highlights were the MIdway, free Grandstand Shows, Livestock and 4H Exhibits, Tractor Pulls and Demolition Derbies. The Youth Building and Opera House had lots of local merchants showing off their products and services.

We also enjoyed visiting the buildings to see the Art and Hobby Exhibits and presentations put on by local citizens. Corn Dogs, Elephant Ears, Lemon Shake Ups, Sam the Candy Man and Taffy were among our favorite treats and memories!

T-shirts, coffee mugs, postcards, magnets and stickers are available for purchase in the store.

T-shirts and mugs are also available to purchase on-line as well as other local memorabilia at
https://urbanartifactspeoria.printful.me/

07/12/2026

Road trip Saturday. Still some neat things to enjoy in the little towns.

07/11/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend! Be sure to check out the Central Illinois Flea Market.

Urban Artifacts - Peoria is open 11-5 today. 925 N Sheridan Rd in Peoria.

See everyone tomorrow! It’s been far too long! We can’t wait to see all of our vendors and customers !

07/09/2026

1950’s Caterpillar tractor model with rare box.

SOLD

07/08/2026

The Broadmoor Seven Falls is a stunning series of seven cascading waterfalls located in South Cheyenne Cañon, Colorado Springs

The Royal Gorge is a deep, narrow canyon carved by the Arkansas River near Cañon City, Colorado

Two framed prints from 1901. Sold as a pair or individually.

07/07/2026

“Invented in the late 1800s, penny scales were coin-operated weighing machines that let the public check their weight for just one cent. Before personal scales existed, these sidewalk “robots of trade” served as a primary health tool. They were popular until bathroom scales took over in the 1940s.”

We acquired this antique penny scale last week. Was from a former downtown Pekin drugstore.

$550

07/06/2026

All of your fantastic Peoria food memories on one mug!

Only available at Urban Artifacts.
In store or on line.

https://urbanartifactspeoria.printful.me/

$14.50

07/04/2026

If it wasn’t for this guy (the older one) Urban Artifacts would probably not exist. My grandfather, Maurice Lauher, was the antique dealer/collector that influenced me (the younger one) as a kid to become a collector and subsequently an antique seller later in life.

Here we are, a never seen before photo from 1976 in our colonial period outfits hand-made by my grandma, Verna Lauher, for a Methodist church program in Lexington, IL - celebrating our nation’s Bicentennial. I was 8 years old. It was an exciting year and I was all things Bicentennial.

And now it’s 50 years later and we are celebrating our nation’s 250 year.

Happy Independence Day from all of us at Urban Artifacts!

Open 11am – 3pm