Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

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, does that mean Lincoln also came through Elgin? Let Abraham Lincoln SuperFan Mike Alft answer that question for you in this echo from February 12, 1984.

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 all about Madman Muntz in this echo from May 11, 1997.

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.

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.

Elgin was once the home of a renowned manufacturer of decorative make-up compacts. Learn more about Elgin American in this echo from April 24, 2005.

Allan Pinkerton, of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, has several local ties.  This echo from April 25, 1999 will give you the facts, and some of the mysteries.

The Lords Park Zoo has delighted visitors since 1895. Learn more about it's history in this echo from October 22, 1995.

The David C. Cook Publishing Company had a significant impact on Elgin.  An echo from May 28, 2000 tells the postal side of the story.

The Laura Davidson Sears Academy of Fine Arts, commonly known as the Sears Gallery, once housed an impressive art collection.  Hear its history in this echo from October 29, 1995.