Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

Several famous people have passed through Elgin on their way other places.  Hear about a few, including 2 famous athletes, in this echo from July 24, 1988.

Learn about Elgin's first city jail in this echo from September 11, 1996.

This echo from May 5, 1985 gives a biography of James T. Gifford, Elgin's founder.

Working at the Elgin National Watch Company factory was a good job to have.  Listen to this echo from December 24, 2001 to hear some of the fringe benefits employees enjoyed.

In June 1922 a movie was filmed in Elgin, starring locals. "A Romance of Elgin" may have been a lark sponsored by the Daily Courier newspaper, but that did not make it any less exciting. No ticket is needed to hear all about it in this echo from December 29, 1996.

Ah, the good old days, when we could light off fireworks in our backyards and really celebrate the 4th of July.  Turns out...no, that's always been a bad idea. Stay safe out there and enjoy this echo from July 1, 1984 instead of lighting something on fire.

Cars are everywhere in modern Elgin, but when was our first sold?  And by who?  Tune in to this echo from September 16, 2002 to learn about one Elgin automobile sales group that can trace its roots back over a hundred years.  

How did Elgin get its name?  This echo from May 29, 1983 will answer that important question.

Are you a Butter fan?  Or maybe you prefer Butterine? There's a place for both in Elgin history.  Tune into this echo from May 22, 1983 for the better butter facts. 

Thousands of students have attended Abbott Middle School on the west side.  As Abbott nears its end, let's talk about its beginning.  School is in session; tune in to this echo from October 18, 1982.