Andersen’s Engraving celebrating 50 years in Elgin

Submitted by Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin

This September, Andersen’s Engraving, 27 N. Grove Avenue in Elgin, is celebrating 50 years of service to the Elgin community.

On Sept. 14, at the Elgin City Council meeting, Mayor David Kaptain will read a formal proclamation honoring owner Dave Andersen, by proclaiming Sept. 21 “Andersen’s Engraving Day” in Elgin.

At 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, owner Dave Andersen and other Elgin dignitaries will take part in a ceremony in front of the shop, which includes a special unveiling of the original restored “Andersen’s Gifts” sign that marked the store’s original storefront location at 170 DuPage.

As an added bonus, Andersen’s neighbor The Gasthaus, 15 N. Grove Ave., will offer a special preceremony cookout, featuring burgers, brats and nonalcoholic beverages, on their new outdoor patio for all attendees beginning at noon.

S.J. Andersen opened Andersen’s Gifts in September 1961 at 170 DuPage in downtown Elgin. Over its 50 years in business, the store has called several downtown locations home, including stints at 163 E. Chicago St. next to the old Wilson’s Shoes where the Martini Room currently resides; 21 Douglas Ave. next to Keeney’s Sporting Goods; and its current location at 27 N. Grove Ave. next to Artistic Framing and Supplies.

The core business of the shop has always focused on trophies, custom engraving services, wedding invitations, graduation announcements, greeting cards, gifts and foil imprinting services.

To view photos of Andersen’s storefronts from over the decades, visit http://photobucket.com/Andersens50th.