Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum
A captivating podcast dedicated to unveiling the rich and diverse history of Elgin, Illinois. Each episode brings to life fascinating stories and lesser-known anecdotes from Elgin’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about local heritage, this podcast offers an immersive journey into the events, people, and places that have shaped Elgin over the years.
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 4 minutes
- Episodes
- 124
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Elgin homes open door to history
An echo from September 29, 1985 reveals some interesting tidbits about Elgin homes.
Elgin history isn't kind to Black residents
A list of firsts and several mistakes of the past are revealed in this echo from February 24, 1991.
Unusual snippets about Elgin schools
Schools are among a community's oldest institutions and they give rise to many interesting factoids. This echo from September 1, 1996 lists a bunch.
Happenings of Februarys past
Just when did the chewing gum and cough drop factory close? This echo from February 4, 1990 will give you that answer and many other February news items.
Elgin's thriving cattle trade
Elgin has many stories to tell. How about his one from June 30, 1985 that details Elgin's past as a "cow town"?
Elgin folks reached out to help Chicago fire victims
The Great Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871. Elgin learned of the news one day later and immediately mobilized to help. Learn how in this echo from October 6, 1996.
Prominent chemist lived in Elgin
Hear the impressive resume of chemist Lloyd A. Hall and the challenges he faced in this echo from September 8, 1985.
First "settler" in Elgin was unsteady toddler
It was bound to happen eventually. Here is our punny and funny echo from July 22, 1984.
Nuptial pact made headlines
When Heluiz Chandler and Carelton Washburne married in 1912 the press called their union a "free love contract." How did their marriage work out? Tune in to this echo from August 21, 1983 to find ou…
Elgin's "Peach" was in a league of her own
"A League of Their Own" was a popular movie in 1992 that featured nearby Rockford's baseball team, the Rockford Peaches. But the Elgin connection gets even closer when you learn the story of 1946 El…
Descendant tells of gold hoard
Did an past resident of Elgin bury a gold hoard here? Maybe. Will this echo from April 22, 1984 tell you where it is? Maybe.
Old-time barns were for storing
Barns were once a common sight in the city of Elgin. This echo from January 15, 2006 tells of some that remain, and others that have disappeared.
Early gangs plagued Elgin
An echo from January 9, 2000 will warn you about the Slop Hill gang, the Eastsiders, the Chapel Street gang, and the South End Bums and Crooks Association.
Roll out the red carpet for the major crime awards!
It's time for the Elgin Major Crime Awards! Kindly Old Mr. Alft awards four of the top prizes in this echo from February 25, 2002.
Footnotes to history had a local tie
What do you think about the Elginite who became President of the United States in 1877? You know about him, right? Maybe not; he is a footnote to history, after all. More on him and one other Elgi…
Hot topic in December 1885? What else, weather
Join E.C. "Mike" Alft on December 1, 1985 as he tells us the news from Decembers gone by.
The team was the cat's meow but still nine lives short
Attention Baseball Fans! Tune in to this echo from June 14, 1982 to learn about the Elgin baseball team that won the pennant back in 1910.
Happenings from Decembers past
Join E.C. "Mike" Alft on December 7, 1986 as he tells us the happenings of Decembers past.
Christmas 1910 also had Santa and Dickens
Stressed by holiday preparations? Tune into this echo from December 22, 1985 to learn what Christmas 1910 was like in Elgin.
Christmas trees lit up Elgin's past
Join Mike Alft on December 19, 1999 to learn the history of illuminated holiday trees in Elgin.