Elgin History Museum

05/29/2026

John N. Seaver built the house at 766 South Street in 1890. A carpenter for Seaver & Company, his business manufactured wood mantles, office and store fixtures, brackets, moldings, planning and other pieces necessary for general carpentry work. This business is listed at 108 River Street in the 1894-95 Elgin City Directory.

By 1903, Annie and L. Eugene Austin resided in the home, with the business L. E. Austin Dairy also listed at 766. The 1915 City Directory also shows the occupation for the owner of 766 South as “Milk Dealer.” In 2001, multiple original receipts from L. E. Austin Dairy were found in the home, with 766 South listed as the address.

While the time between the Austins and the current owners stretches far, much had happened to the exterior of the home. Sadly, for many years, the home had succumbed to disrepair and lost much of the Victorian touches that made it special. In more recent years, however, the home went through rehabilitation that including replacing the roof, restoring the chimney, and repairing and painting the exterior.

05/27/2026

Step back in time with this episode of the Elgin 100 Years Ago Podcast from the Elgin History Museum!

This episode from May 15, 1926 highlights the sweet history of Blum’s Ice Cream Parlor, a beloved Elgin favorite located at 15 Douglas Ave from 1896–1964. Known for their homemade candy and creative ice cream molds shaped like flowers, witches hats, bowling pins, and more, Blum’s was a special part of Elgin’s story for generations. Their popular restaurant kept the community coming together year-round.

If you love local history, nostalgic stories, and discovering the people and places that shaped Elgin, this podcast is for you! Listen to the latest episode and explore what Elgin looked like 100 years ago.

Listen here ➡️ https://elginhistory.org/elgin-history/elgin-100-years-ago/

05/26/2026

The 1936 Elgin half-dollar coin wasn’t just currency — it was created to celebrate Elgin’s centennial and became a lasting piece of the city’s history. This episode of Echoes of Elgin also explores the story behind Elgin’s Pioneer Memorial and the meaning these landmarks held for the community in this October 12, 1986 broadcast. 🪙🎙️
Listen here➡️ https://echoesofelgin.podbean.com/e/commemorative-coin-noted-elgin-centennial/

05/26/2026

FREE EVENT this Sunday, May 31 at 2pm. Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly: https://elginhistory.org/event/new-philadelphia-illinois/

The founding of New Philadelphia, Illinois, was an extraordinary act of courage, strategy, and determination. In this presentation, Abdul Alkalimat—descendant of the town’s founders, Frank and Lucy McWorter—shares the story of how the McWorters built a town, protected their freedom, and shaped Illinois history. The program invites audiences to think more deeply about freedom, community, and legacy. Hear more about the presentation from Abdul himself: https://ilhumanities.org/speakers/abdul-alkalimat

Abdul Alkalimat (born Gerald McWorter) is a founder of the field of Black Studies and author of many books and papers about Black liberation. A lifelong scholar-activist, he wrote the first college textbook for the field, Introduction to Afro-American Studies, which has seen seven editions, the last one free and online.

Program is part of the Illinois Humanities Speakers Bureau.

05/22/2026

We can't wait to visit the new Chip Shots Golf & Whiskey Bar!

Thank you City of Elgin, Illinois Government for embracing and educating the public on the rich history of Wing Park. It will soon be open to the public—visit chipshotselgin.com for details and wingparkgolf.com to book your tee time.

05/22/2026

In 1902, Judge John W. Ranstead had 16 N. Jackson Street built for his daughter, Janet, and her husband, Charles Lehmann for $5,000. The home was constructed next door to the Ranstead estate located at 4 N. Jackson Street. Charles William Lehmann was born in Suffolk County, Massachusetts in 1874 to Charles J. and Gertrude. The family relocated to Elgin in the 1890s. Lehmann soon became a respected lawyer and partnered with his father-in-law locating their firm at 43 DuPage Court.

05/22/2026

Don’t forget — our new sports exhibit opens tomorrow! 🏅

Celebrate Elgin’s rich sports history through iconic venues, legendary athletes, and artifacts from our community’s athletic past.

Join us for the opening reception from 6:30–8:30 PM — we hope to see you there!

05/20/2026

Did you know Elgin once set the price of butter for the entire country?
It's true. We had our own Butter Board of Trade. Gail Borden's condensed milk plant was here. Trains hauled Elgin milk into Chicago by the carload. Dairy was Elgin's first big wealth — and then suburbia came, and modern agriculture came, and now we're working to restore some of those former farms back to native prairie.

Next Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m., historian Jerry Turnquist and Genealogy & Local History Librarian James McAdams are telling that whole story at Gail Borden Public Library. They'll also showcase newly digitized volumes of the Elgin Dairy Report.

Register here➡️ https://attend.gailborden.info/event/15853381
📍Gail Borden Public Library, Meadows Community Rooms ABC

05/15/2026

Washington Elementary School Tour TOMORROW!

Join us for a special community event!

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Washington School will be featured in the Historic School Tour hosted by Historic Elgin. Come explore local history, learn more about our school’s story, and enjoy a unique opportunity to connect with the past.

For more details and event information, visit:
https://historicelgin.com/coming-events/2026/5/16/washington-school-historic-school-tour

We hope to see you there!

05/15/2026

1025 Douglas Avenue, built in 1924 by Ralph Abell, sits on a half-acre lot at the southeast corner of Douglas Avenue and River Bluff Road.

Charles and Elizabeth Rinehimer commissioned the build and were the first residents of the home. According to the 1923-24 Elgin City Directory, before moving to their new house on Douglas, the Rinehimers already resided in Elgin, living at 1018 Prospect Avenue. Charles was one of the principals of Rinehimer Brothers Manufacturing Company, founded in 1891 and specializing in millwork products.

Many of the Rinehimer family worked for the eponymous company, and many lived in Elgin near Charles and Elizabeth. Albert, company president, lived at 158 Kimball; Charles E., vice president, lived at 707 Brook; Richard, company clerk, lived with his father at 707 Brook; and of course Charles A. who lived here on Douglas.

Together, Elizabeth and Charles lived at 1025 for more than 40 years until selling the home in 1972.