Beste Elgin History Museum Podcasts (2025)

1
Elgin watches part of historic moments 5:25

3d ago5:25

5:25

Elgin National Watch Company made over 60 million watches. Every one of them was prized by its owner or their descendants. This echo from September 24, 1995 will highlight some of the more notable ones.Von Elgin History Museum

1
The day the city standpipe came crashing down 4:43

3d ago4:43

4:43

125 years ago today, the city standpipe on the corner of Spring and Cooper streets came crashing down and patients at the old Sherman Hospital thought for sure it was an earthquake. This echo from August 15, 1999 gives the details.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Anchor recalls South Elginite who never returned 4:43

6d ago4:43

4:43

A 4,000 lb. anchor from a WWII destroyer, the U.S.S. Aaron Ward, sits in memoriam at Bluff City Cemetery. This echo from May 22, 2005 reveals the personal story behind it.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Working girls get their own piece of the pie 4:37

10d ago4:37

4:37

Women were always well-represented in the workforce at the watch factory, making up about half the employees. This echo from June 9, 2003 gives good detail on what their working life was like.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Alice Byrd Potter, woman driver 4:52

13d ago4:52

4:52

Alice Byrd Potter, first woman to drive from Chicago to New York, is an Elginite you should know. Allow this December 26, 1999 echo to introduce you.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Being Black in Nazi Germany, Elgin 4:12

17d ago4:12

4:12

This echo from January 30, 2000 tells the story of Hans Massaquoi, Elgin Community College graduate and editor of Ebony magazine. His biography, Destined to Witness, recounts his experiences growing up Black in Nazi Germany and then emigrating to the U.S. It is available at the Gail Borden Public Library.…

1
When Gromer's closed, a part of Elgin did too 4:24

20d ago4:24

4:24

From 1937 to 1995, Gromer's was the place to get groceries, or to follow your parents around the store at least. This echo from January 22, 2004 may make you wish for a $.25 ice cream cone.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Just how cold was it, anyway? 4:23

24d ago4:23

4:23

The weather this week hasn't been so bad...comparatively speaking. This echo from January 16, 2000 will warm you up a bit.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin homes open door to history 3:01

27d ago3:01

3:01

An echo from September 29, 1985 reveals some interesting tidbits about Elgin homes.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin history isn't kind to Black residents 5:27

1M ago5:27

5:27

A list of firsts and several mistakes of the past are revealed in this echo from February 24, 1991.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Unusual snippets about Elgin schools 5:26

1M ago5:26

5:26

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Happenings of Februarys past 5:12

1M ago5:12

5:12

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin's thriving cattle trade 4:20

1M ago4:20

4:20

Elgin has many stories to tell. How about his one from June 30, 1985 that details Elgin's past as a "cow town"?Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin folks reached out to help Chicago fire victims 3:59

2M ago3:59

3:59

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Prominent chemist lived in Elgin 4:39

2M ago4:39

4:39

Hear the impressive resume of chemist Lloyd A. Hall and the challenges he faced in this echo from September 8, 1985.Von Elgin History Museum

1
First "settler" in Elgin was unsteady toddler 3:35

2M ago3:35

3:35

It was bound to happen eventually. Here is our punny and funny echo from July 22, 1984.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Nuptial pact made headlines 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

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 out.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin's "Peach" was in a league of her own 3:34

2M ago3:34

3:34

"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 Elgin High School grad Charlene Ann Barnett. Tune in to this echo from April 20, 1997 to learn more.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Descendant tells of gold hoard 3:34

2M ago3:34

3:34

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Old-time barns were for storing 4:20

2M ago4:20

4:20

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Early gangs plagued Elgin 4:08

2M ago4:08

4:08

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Roll out the red carpet for the major crime awards! 5:18

2M ago5:18

5:18

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Footnotes to history had a local tie 4:29

3M ago4:29

4:29

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 Elginite you may not have heard of, but should, in this echo from November 24, 1985.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Hot topic in December 1885? What else, weather 4:17

3M ago4:17

4:17

Join E.C. "Mike" Alft on December 1, 1985 as he tells us the news from Decembers gone by.Von Elgin History Museum

1
The team was the cat's meow but still nine lives short 3:44

3M ago3:44

3:44

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.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Happenings from Decembers past 4:33

3M ago4:33

4:33

Join E.C. "Mike" Alft on December 7, 1986 as he tells us the happenings of Decembers past.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Christmas 1910 also had Santa and Dickens 4:45

3M ago4:45

4:45

Stressed by holiday preparations? Tune into this echo from December 22, 1985 to learn what Christmas 1910 was like in Elgin.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Christmas trees lit up Elgin's past 4:39

3M ago4:39

4:39

Join Mike Alft on December 19, 1999 to learn the history of illuminated holiday trees in Elgin.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Why is it called...? 5:32

3M ago5:32

5:32

Tune in to this echo from October 12, 1997 to learn why Elgin has a Whiskey Point, a Crocker Theater, a Beacon Hill, a Parker Park and a Drake Field.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Gifts may change, but not the spirit 6:13

3M ago6:13

6:13

Not sure what to get that Special Someone on your holiday list? Tune in to this echo from December 17, 2000 to learn about the hot holiday gifts for Elginites of years past.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Christmas 1903, when Santa did not upstage Turkey Day 3:59

3M ago3:59

3:59

Christmas 1903 was as festive as any other in Elgin. Trees were decorated with newfangled electric lights, popular gifts such as dolls and wood burning sets flew off the shelves and Elginites ate impressive amounts of candy. Join E.C. "Mike" Alft and get in the holiday spirit with this echo from December 25, 2003.…

1
LeeWards sews up business for over 74 years 3:45

4M ago3:45

3:45

LeeWards craft store was an Elgin institution for many years. Their holiday craft kits, especially the beaded ornaments, still decorate many homes. Tune in to this echo from October 28, 1984 to learn a bit about the company's history in Elgin and stop in the Elgin History Museum's store to buy a modern ornament kit inspired by LeeWards.…

1
"Underground Railway" has few connections in Elgin area 4:45

4M ago4:45

4:45

The Underground Railroad was a loosely organized, yet effective, system that helped guide formerly enslaved men, women and children to the Northern states and Canada in the years before the Civil War. Tune into this echo from October 19, 1997 to learn what there is to know about Elgin's connection.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Clintonville name caused mix-ups for railroad and town 3:11

4M ago3:11

3:11

All aboard for Clintonville and South Elgin! That's the same place, right? Well, it depends. Tune in to this echo from June 25, 1989 to learn why these names caused confusion a century ago.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Piece of agricultural history still standing 3:38

4M ago3:38

3:38

What's up with that silo downtown by the library? Let E.C. "Mike" Alft tell you all about it in this echo from January 29, 2006.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Triple slaying by 14-year old in 1913 3:20

4M ago3:20

3:20

An echo from November 29, 1992 tells the grim tale of Sara, Orville and Maud Sleep.Von Elgin History Museum

1
November happenings from years past 4:27

4M ago4:27

4:27

A turkey dinner for a family of five for only $5.50?! Sign me up! An echo from November 3, 1985 will tell you what you missed in Novembers past.Von Elgin History Museum

1
The coming of the railroad 5:52

4M ago5:52

5:52

Elgin founder James T. Gifford chose this site to start a town, knowing the Fox River would be important to its success. He also hoped, in 1835, that the railroad would soon pass through town, bringing more opportunities for growth. In 1850 his vision came true. Tune in to this echo from January 23, 2000 to learn how the railroad helped shape Elgin…

1
Inventions could have made Elgin the world's "Tire Capital" 3:19

5M ago3:19

3:19

Have you ever had a flat tire? Wheel-y annoying, even back in 1907. Two Elgin inventors sought to fix this problem but couldn't get their business rolling. I'll spare you the puns and just recommend this echo from August 13, 1995.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin watch ads touted durability 4:00

5M ago4:00

4:00

Just how well-made were Elgin National Watches? Let this echo from April 13, 1997 give you several examples.Von Elgin History Museum

1
A century ago, Elgin residents feared Halloween vandalism 3:53

5M ago3:53

3:53

Elgin residents feared Halloween Night 1898 was going to be a rough one. They feared a rash of vandalism, and they were not wrong. Tune in to this echo from October 25, 1998 to learn more about that wild night.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Spook priestess haunted Elgin widow a century ago 4:17

5M ago4:17

4:17

Vera Ava was a medium who claimed she could raise the spirits of the dead. Her travels took her from New York City to an English jail cell. In between, she spent time in Elgin with a widow who sought spiritual advice and eventually took Vera Ava to court. An echo from November 23, 1997 tells the tale.…

1
October Happenings of the Past 4:15

5M ago4:15

4:15

Catch up on the October news items from 1897, 1922, 1947, 1972 and 1987 in this echo from October 5, 1997.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Cupid's courier makes love pay 5:41

5M ago5:41

5:41

Middle-aged widow, good-looking, wealthy, tired of single life, would correspond with gentlemen; object, matrimony. Address Box 104, Elgin, IL. Dating was no easier back in 1907, especially when scammers were involved. Learn from someone else's mistakes in this echo from April 20, 1986.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin's bridge kept falling down, falling down. 4:14

5M ago4:14

4:14

Are you planning on driving over the Chicago Street bridge today? This echo from November 27, 1988 should reassure you that today's bridge is perfectly safe. It was the 5 previous bridges you had to worry about.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Our animal friends 4:02

5M ago4:02

4:02

Do you know about the lion who used to live in Elgin? How about the other lion that used to live in Elgin? No? What about the elephant that made a memorable visit to the west side? No? Sounds like you had better listen to this echo from February 26, 1984 and get caught up.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Almora's iron horse legacy 4:30

5M ago4:30

4:30

This former depot site near Randall and Big Timber Roads was known for its train wrecks rather than its founder or school. An echo from November 13, 1988 tells the details.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Elgin's notorious mayor was "hot copy" for city newsmen 6:11

6M ago6:11

6:11

Newspapers can't resist writing about colorful politicians. True today and true from 1874 to 1927 when Mayor Arwin E. Price couldn't seem to stay out of the headlines. Listen to this echo from November 15, 1998 for the details.Von Elgin History Museum

1
Mark of the West on two local graves 4:46

6M ago4:46

4:46

Elgin's Bluff City Cemetery holds the remains of two individuals who had only a fleeting connection to Elgin, but whose stories are of interest to fans of the American West. Tune in to this echo from September 10, 1989 to learn more about Dan DeMarbelle and Annie Tallent as we complete our mini series on Elgin’s municipal cemetery and its stories.…

1
Elgin's Bells 4:40

6M ago4:40

4:40

Oscar Hammerstein once said "a bell's not a bell until you ring it". An echo from February 28, 1999, tells the story of Elgin's noteworthy bells.Von Elgin History Museum

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Elgin History Museum Podcasts

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