East Peoria?

Question

Both Matthew "World Church of the Creator" Hale and Kent "Dr. Dino" Hovind grew up in East Peoria.

Relatives of mine lived there briefly, and I visited them twice. It didn't seem like a haven for nuts; did I just miss that?

Is it just a weird circumstance that these two came from the same small town, or is there something about East Peoria that makes this less surprising?

And, if you aren't from the Heart of Illinois - can you think of any other small town with a similar pair of less-than-favorite sons?

Answer 1

I worked in East Peoria for 7 years, from '95 to '02. I lived in Pekin, IL at the time. I used to see Matt Hale handing out fliers on the street. Hale is a self-proclaimed white-supremacist. There are many 'closet' racists in that area. I'm
native American and I received the 'special'
treatment many times.(sarcasm)


-----edit: it is a beautiful area and not a haven for nuts, and many locals were embarassed by Hale's claims.

Answer 2

I live over in Missouri, about two-and-a-half hours from Peoria. I know a few people from there, and as far as I can tell they seem to be pretty normal. But then, I may not be the best judge, since I'm a little "out there" myself! :)

Answer 3

You know, that's one of those questions that just lingers. Now I know I'm going to spend too much time looking into E Peoria - bummer.

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Bob Woodward, Edwin Hubble and Red Grange are from Wheaton Illinois. Wes Craven and Billy Graham both went to Wheaton College, as did Denny Hastert.

Answer 4

All of Illinois is beautiful, Peoria included.

Answer 5

I've been to Peoria a couple of times. Trust me, everyone there, and the surrounding area, are nuts!

Answer 6

I think you have too much time on your hands.