The Pekin RC Club has been in operation for a half-century, located in Dirksen Park at the Hermon D. Lowery Field. It is a not-for-profit group of radio control flying enthusiasts and model builders who have witnessed a significant evolution in the hobby, from balsa wood and glow engines in the 1970s to modern foam and electric power systems.  

• Club's history:

  • It has been active for at least 50 years, formed sometime in the early 70s by several people, having seen major technological shifts in the hobby over the years.

  • The original club grounds weren't much more than old farm ground with an old barn structure. Over many years; the barn was removed, a pavement 175 foot runway laid, a pavilion built, bathroom built, utility/mowing building, and spectator fencing along with tables and engine run up stands.

  • In the early 1970s, models were typically balsa wood and covered in silk doped covering, powered by 2 stroke nitro-methane fueled engines.

  • The 1980s introduced "Almost Ready to Fly" (ARF) kits, which simplified assembly.

  • The early 2000s saw an industry shift with the development of lightweight lithium-polymer batteries and brushless electric motors, paired with the rise of CAD (computer designed) foam aircraft.

  • Everett McKinley Dirksen park has been home for the Hermon D. Lowery Field, home of the Pekin RC Club, and at it's peak had over 100 members with frequent AMA guest flyers from neighboring clubs, often hosted events, cookouts and airshows. Today the club only has about 30 members, still actively gathering weekly and hosting events. New younger members that have joined, hope to carry the torch and expand the club/hobby through their modern age technical, social media, and website building skills in order to effectively reach more audiences.