A new exhibit at the Peoria Public Library draws renewed attention to an Italian immigrant and sculptor whose work still appears throughout Central Illinois. The exhibit tells the story of Joseph Petarde, who came to Peoria around the turn of the century and became a prolific stone carver.
Maureen Hallengren, a board member of the Italian American Society of Peoria, said local architect Edward Berry, who has been passionate about preserving local history, put together the exhibit.Hallengren said Petarde initially came to Peoria to work on the Upper Free Bridge. He later married the daughter of the bridge’s contractor and remained in Peoria.
