Articles in the History Category

Unfortunately I missed the Committee of the Whole meeting, which had some interesting things on their agenda this evening:

a DOJ grant for surveillance and recording systems–what is that all about?
consideration of appeal for a denied permit to remove masonic symbols from the old masonic temple–an important landmark, now the Family Life Church
$250K $40K to Rodney Cavitt for facade improvements at 203-209 and 211-213 National Street in downtown Elgin, to be completed in 2008 for work already completed. City staff recommendation for additional $206K for improvements at 217-219 National Street …

Sidewalk construction outside Elks Lodge…
It looks like this gave the old Elks Lodge owners the opportunity to finally do that last bit of renovation on the south side of the building, getting rid of that nasty old entranceway. Let’s see how they choose to deal with the retaining wall.

I first mentioned this idea two years ago, and I thought since Judson College is now Judson University and the DC Cook building is no longer in imminent danger of being converted into some sort of residential development, I might put this idea out again and see what others think.

The idea is for a foot and bike bridge across the Fox River at a narrow point just north of the DC Cook building. The west side of the river, I think, is already owned by Judson University and is …

Several weeks ago I wandered down Dupage Street just east of the old EHS, and was impressed by the quality of the historic homes there. Notice the meticulous color coordination of the house in the bottom photo, with the landscaping echoing the house. And what a great choice of colors for the gable in the top photo–subtle and elegant.

I received a message in my Flickr account last week:
I was born in Elgin but only lived there 4 years, although I visited my grandparents and aunt there very, very regularly for the next 12 years. I haven’t been back since the early ’70s when my family moved out of state
Most of my memories of Elgin are of my grandparents’ home. It was a big, old house on a very large lot (2 or 3 acres), a good portion of which was on a hillside that made for fun sledding …

I received a message in my Flickr account last week:
I was born in Elgin but only lived there 4 years, although I visited my grandparents and aunt there very, very regularly for the next 12 years. I haven’t been back since the early ’70s when my family moved out of state
Most of my memories of Elgin are of my grandparents’ home. It was a big, old house on a very large lot (2 or 3 acres), a good portion of which was on a hillside that made for fun sledding …

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been almost two years, since I first mentioned this house. I drove by it on Sunday, expecting it to have been finished by now, but renovation continues!