Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

The Grove Theater began as a silent movie palace in 1920.  It still stands today.  Grab some popcorn and listen to this echo from October 8, 1995 to hear the whole plot.  

Elgin's dairy history does have some bad chapters.  This echo from February 18, 2001 details 2 outbreaks of bovine disease from our past.

Elgin's experience with roller rinks may go back further than you think.  This echo from November 26, 2000 is wheely informative. 

Tune in to this echo from April 29, 1984 to learn when Elgin crossed the line...the Cook/Kane county line, that is.

We found this interesting bit of Elgin history stuck to the underside of an old desk at the high school.  Still fresh, even though it echoes from August 11, 1985.

With Labor Day approaching, it's a perfect time to look back on working conditions of the past. Clock in to this echo from August 31, 1997 to learn about life as an employee of the Elgin National Wat…

Looking for fun in the 1900s?  Why not consider a bicycle, car or trolley ride of 100 miles as described in this echo from November 16, 1997? 

Did you hear about that driver going 70 mph out past Larkin?!  Well, that must have been old Smiling Ralph Mulford in his Lozier.  I guess it's time for the annual Elgin Road Races.  Let's hear all a…

Tune in to this echo from March 13, 1983 to relive the excitement of Buffalo Bill Cody's 1896 visit to Elgin. 

Did you know Elgin had its own version of a "Gold Rush"?  Well, sort of. Tune in to this echo from June 28, 1982 to hear the details, but be careful you don't catch "pearl fever".

Who is the most famous person to ever visit Elgin?  Tune into this echo from September 30, 1984 to hear a long list of names to choose from.  

A west side block was once the home to the largest manufacturer of casket trimmings and hardware in the United States. Learn about this historic west side block in an echo from October 26, 1981.

Stephen A. Douglas, candidate for Senate, passed through Elgin in 1858 after a debate in Freeport, IL against Abraham Lincoln.  If Douglas came through Elgin during his series of debates with Lincoln…

Earl Muntz was always one step ahead of the competition. His colorful personality and advertising methods made him "the master used car salesman of all time", according the Newsweek magazine.  Learn …

When did Elgin see its first revolving door? When was the first television set purchased in Elgin?  Tune into this echo from October 20, 1996 to find out. 

The Elgin Academy Civil War monument was erected in 1909 and still stands outside the Elgin History Museum.  Learn its history, and some of the names it shows, in this echo from December 24, 2000.

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.