Crackerbarrel
The Crackerbarrel is the Elgin History Museum’s bimonthly member newsletter. It has a calendar of upcoming events, articles of historical interest, and updates on Museum projects and collections.
Recent copies of The Crackerbarrel are online here. If you don’t see what you need, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and you can get a copy of a back issue for a small fee. The content in The Crackerbarrel articles are property of the Elgin History Museum. If you would like to use any of the content featured in these newsletters please contact the museum at 847-742-4248 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To help you find what you are looking for, names and subjects are included in The Crackerbarrel index in PDF format.
News of Yesteryear
Gail Borden Library holds a large collection of historic microfilmed newspapers, dating from as early as 1850. Shown below are those issues that are currently available in a digital format. Follow the links to view or download these editions.
*The digitization process is ongoing, so please check back frequently for new additions.
Elgin Death Records
Genealogists have long used records from Gail Borden Public Library to trace their family tree.
One favorite reference source, Death records in Elgin, Illinois with burials at Bluff City Cemetery and elsewhere ... as recorded in the cemetery sextons' ledgers has been available on microfilm since 1995.
New technology, funding support from the Elgin Genealogical Society, and permission from the Elgin Heritage Commission has allowed this valuable resource, commonly referred to as the Elgin Death Records, to be digitized. The digitization process allows for easier access to this resource for users unable to physically visit the library and protects the film reels from excessive wear and tear.
Follow the links to view the death records on Illinois Digital Archives.
Volume 1 contains death records from 1837 - 1924.
Select volume 1, part 1 for last names beginning with the letters A - G.
Select volume 1, part 2 for last names beginning with the letters H - O.
Select volume 1, part 3 for last names beginning with the letters P - Z.
Volume 2 contains death records from 1925 - 1949.
Select volume 2, part 1 for last names beginning with the letters A - H.
Select volume 2, part 2 for last names beginning with the letters H - R.
Select volume 2, part 3 for last names beginning with the letters S - Z.
Books
Elgin has a long and interesting history, which has been patiently recorded in the many historical works located at the Gail Borden Public library and for purchase at the Elgin History Museum. Luckily many of the authors, including E,C, Alft, has graciously given us permission to share many their books with you digitally.
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Books and More
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Elgin Area Landmarks
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Elgin's Black Heritage
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Elgin National Watch Company
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Elgin and Surroundings
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Black pioneers of Kane County and Elgin, Illinois 1855 to 1880 : a genealogy and history
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Elgin: An American History
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Elgin: Days Gone By
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The Watch Word
The Watch Word magazine chronicled personal stories, photos, engineering successes, and company history for employees of the Elgin National Watch Company, a leading Elgin employer for over one hundred years. The first watch movement was created in 1867, and manufacturing continued until 1968. Watches produced after 1968 may bear the Elgin name, but have no connection to the Elgin, Illinois company.
Publication of the Watch Word begain in August 1921 and ceased in December 1956.
In a partnership between the Elgin Area Historical Society Museum and the Gail Borden Public Library, copies of the Watch Word are being scanned and made more easily available. Follow the links below to view specific issues of the magazine. Originals can be viewed at the Gail Borden Public Library & the Elgin History Museum.
