Poem entitled “Peoria” by Julia H. Johnson

Transcription:
“Peoria, softly syllabled
In mellowIndian tongue
Thine honor lives in storied page,
Thy charms have oft been sung,
Since dusty warriors, gentler grown,
In some fair, peaceful hours,
Bestowed thy name so musical
And called the Land of Flowers.

Thy Praises echo all abroad,
Thy beauties manifold,
From growning bluff to curving shore,
Have often been retold.
But oh, Peoria by the Lake,
Thy fairest coronet
Is loyal hearts, where love-thoughts shine,
With jeweled memories set.

Julia H. Johnston”