Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

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.