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.

Elgin, Illinois, was founded in 1835. However, the community truly came into its own at the end of the Civil War, when the Elgin National Watch Company moved there and took the city name as its own. The name Elgin became synonymous with quality for over 100 years. Elgin, Illinois: "Wish You Were Here" tells the story of the town of Elgin during the 20th century, featuring vintage postcards of that period. Special events of historic interest include the tornado of 1920, and the Elgin Road Races, which gained national fame for a brief time around the World War I era. More than 200 pictures, culled from the collection of the Elgin Area Historical Society, and colorful narratives tell of the accomplishments by those first few generations who lived and died in the community.

Elgin, Illinois, was founded in 1835. However, the community truly came into its own at the end of the Civil War, when the Elgin National Watch Company moved there and took the city name as its own. The name Elgin became synonymous with quality for over 100 years. Elgin, Illinois: "Wish You Were Here" tells the story of the town of Elgin during the 20th century, featuring vintage postcards of that period. Special events of historic interest include the tornado of 1920, and the Elgin Road Races, which gained national fame for a brief time around the World War I era. More than 200 pictures, culled from the collection of the Elgin Area Historical Society, and colorful narratives tell of the accomplishments by those first few generations who lived and died in the community.

As time goes by and families move on many places of our past are soon forgotten. With progress comes change and familiar landmarks disappear. It's important to write our history while those that are still with us can share their insights.A neighborhood was much more than a place to live; it was also a place to worship, to work, to socialize and to meet our daily needs. In today's age a click of a button will bring to our door whatever we want or need but what was it like 50 years or 100 years ago?*Who was Burgess Truesdell and why is he important to Elgin's northeast side?*Why was part of P.J. Kimball junior's property sold at public auction?*What Catholic organization founded a hospital?*What's the story behind the Hewins House?*What religious groups founded chapels in the neighborhood?*Who was the other Kimball family?*Who were the Knott and Mann families?*What factory went from Chewing Gum to a Creamery to a Blacksmith to Furniture Empire?*Who was Fred Seiger and his contribution to Elgin?*Who was M.G.D. and what did he offer?*Who were Gottlieb and Elmer Schick and how did prohibition affect them?