Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

The Kane County Poor Farm played a key role in addressing a problem still all too common today. This echo from July 30, 1989 gives a brief history of the institution.

Elgin's post office dates to July 19, 1839.  Learn it's history in this echo from November 29, 1987.

Not every business can succeed.  Here are some past failures, as reported by E.C. Mike Alft on November 22, 1998.

Tune into this echo from April 1, 2002 to find out what was making news in Elgin in April of 1902, 1927, 1952, 1977 and 1992.

All Aboard! This tiny steam-powered podcast is stopping at August 30, 1987 so passengers can learn about when Elgin made tiny trains!  Watch Your Step!

Elgin has always been the place to be.  Learn which famous celebrities have come to Elgin in this echo from September 23, 1984.

Tune in to this echo from December 18, 1983 to hear some great advertising ideas from the Borden Milk Co, circa 1893.

Where people live, people also die.  The history of funeral services in Elgin is spelled out in this echo from November 23, 1986.

When was Elgin's first saloon opened?  How did Elgin react to Prohibition?  When were bars permitted to open on Sundays?  When could a kid buy liquor with a note from his parents?  So much to learn in this echo from June 20, 1999.

Orville and Wilbur who?  Never heard of 'em.  I'm an Uncle Dan Guptail gal.  Learn about Elgin's aero-inventor and 2 other hometown patent-holders in this echo from February 19, 1984.

Now gone, the Kelly Hotel restaurant and the Blue Moon cocktail lounge are worth remembering.  This echo from January 11, 1998 serves up the facts.

Just when you think you know all the various products manufactured in Elgin, you find out about the "Elgin Shirt".  More information available in this echo from March 15, 1982.

Does your mama know you hang out at the Rathole?  Maybe she will forgive you after she listens to this echo from January 15, 1984.

This echo from April 18, 1984 reads like a post in a neighborhood gossip group.  But, I am a big fan of those 2 ladies strolling in the cemetery moonlight, NGL.

The Illinois Watch Case Co. operated in town during the peak years of the Elgin National Watch Co.  Can you tell these Elgin business icons apart or explain how Elgin American Inc. fits in?  You will be able to after listening to this echo from April 15, 1984.

Sometimes Elgin history offers more small stories than big ones.  Here are 3, in this echo from May 17, 2008. Topics include directions to Chicago, camping and a bonfire.

How many U.S. Presidents do you think have visited Elgin?  You may be surprised at the answer revealed in this echo from January 26, 1997.

Mary Newsome was born into slavery and came to Elgin as a Civil War refugee.  Generations later, her family ties to Elgin remain strong.  This echo from May 12, 1985 tells her story.

Boxing was once a popular spectator sport in Elgin, whether the cops and preachers liked it or not.  You have a ringside seat to the whole story in this echo from November 21, 1999.

In another example of how Elgin seems to have a connection to just about everything that ever happened in the world....check out this echo from June 24, 1984 to learn Elgin's connection to Armour Meats and The Jungle by Upton Sinclair.

Sherman Hospital was first established in a home on Channing Street.  When the hospital outgrew the home, was it torn down...or moved?   Tune into this echo from September 15, 1985 to hear one historian's opinion....especially if you are the current resident of 556 Hickory Place.  

Among Elgin's unique architectural styles is the double brick flat.  Perhaps you have driven by examples near the old Elgin High School.  This echo from August 26, 1984 will introduce you to their designer, Gilbert Turnbull.  

Before Elgin Community College or Judson University, there was an option for students wishing to continue their professional training in Elgin.  Our first business school opened in 1885.  Eyes on the board, ears tuned to this echo from August 19, 1984.

Fire up this echo from August 12, 1984 to learn about the Elgin Stove & Oven Co.  Then pop in to the Elgin History Museum to see a few examples on display.  

It was 157 years ago this week that Elginite Carrie Clark fell through the ice and drowned in the Fox River.  The perils of the Fox River in the early days are explained in this echo from June 17, 1984.