Elgin, Illinois From the Collection of the Elgin Area Historical Society

Elgin was named by a city founder, James T. Gifford, after his favorite hymn. The city shares its name with 20 cities in 15 states and 8 countries. Elgin is situated on the banks of the Fox River, 35 miles northwest of Chicago, the city with which Elgin had thriving business exchanges in agricultural and industrial goods. The city’s world-wide fame, for the most part, has come from its watch factory and Mr. Gail Borden’s milk company. Pianos, shoes, books, and even chewing gum were also manufactured in Elgin and sold internationally. This exciting new study of a major Midwestern city is chock-full of images, many of which have never before been published. Featured in Elgin, Illinois is information about the Elgin National Watch Company, early circus and carnival attractions, as well as rip-roaring national road races. Highlighted in one chapter is Elgin’s part in helping to win World War I at home, complete with original photographs from the front in Europe. This lively and historical look at Elgin from the 1800s to the 1930s is interwoven with national and international trends and events.