The History of Will It Play In Peoria
The well-known saying "Will It Play In Peoria?" originated in the vaudeville days of the 1920s and 1930s when promoters would guage the success of a show, music, product, or theme according to how the folks in Peoria would like it. Because of Peoria, Illinois' demographics that mirrored the rest of the country, the phrase took off, and continued to emphasize that Peoria, Illinois had settled in to became a legendary test market for decades.
Peoria's rich history, and famous vaudeville days provide the perfect backdrop for this endeavour, while its diverse economic structure has helped to insulate Peoria's housing market, small businesses, and hometown banks from the economic fallout of 2008. Caterpillar Tractor's world headquarters, 2 major hospitals, and a teaching hospital is located right in downtown Peoria. What a catalyst for restaurants, the Peoria Civic Center, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Peoria Ballet, hotels, and the housing market! Tuck this all into a city that offers a 2 1/2 mile drive overlooking the Illinois River, and referred to by Teddy Roosevelt as "the world's most beautiful drive" on October 10, 1910, and you've got a solid city with good people, and a great proving ground for ideas.