Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

Bluff City Cemetery opened 135 years ago and its history is as interesting as the stories of those that rest there. An echo from September 3, 1989 tells the story of its founding and early years. 

Tune in to this echo from November 16, 2002 hear the big issues presented in the school board election of 1895.

Where were Sherman and St. Joseph's hospitals located in the old days?  What was Mrs. Brockhoff's wild ride? Where did a local chewing gum magnate live?  Listen to this echo from September 17, 1995 to find out. 

Today's U-46 Planetarium was once yesterday's Elgin National Watch Company Observatory.  Learn about this unique building in this echo from October 19, 1981.  

Housing is hard to find, and the schools are jam-packed.  Welcome to 1883. Listen to this echo from August 28, 1983 and learn about the building boom spawned by the Elgin National Watch Company's success.

Fire up Google Street View and take a look at the houses mentioned in this echo from Sept 10, 1995.  You may hear about a new favorite, or perhaps your own home.

What do Coventry England and Elgin's Bent St. have in common? Tune in to this echo from July 27, 1997 to find out.

The Gifford Park Association hosts the Historic Elgin Housewalk each September.  Learn about the organization's roots in this echo from July 17, 2003 and plan to attend the 2024 walk on September 7th and 8th.  Tickets can be purchased on the Elgin History Museum's website.

Rory C. Johnson and the Magnatron engine left Elgin with more questions than answers but this echo from October 28, 2002 will fill you in on what we know. 

Charles F. Shaw (1851-1939) saw many changes in Elgin. Thankfully he shared many memories with a reporter in 1937. Listen to this echo from September 9, 2002 to hear stories of Charles' Elgin.