'Reflections' celebrates Elgin through the 20th century
"Reflections: Elgin Flowing Through Time, The 1920s-1970s" continues through Aug. 1 at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove; Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St.; and other locations in Elgin.
It is a communitywide celebration featuring the mid-20th century's vibrant years of art, music, dance, film, history, literature, theater, sports, architecture, and city infrastructure. If you have a collection to display, a program idea or would just like to get involved, contact Miriam Lytle at (847) 608-5027 or mlytle@gailborden.info.
• "Old Time Radio and the Great American Songbook" will be presented from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, in the library's Elgin Room. Join Steve Darnell, host of "Those Were the Days" on WDCB-FM, to explore how radio helped to give birth to the Great American Songbook by offering songs and singers a unique opportunity to present their songs to a national audience. Featuring some of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, including Johnny Mercer, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and a rare 1934 performance from George Gershwin. Registration is required.
• Read and reflect upon American classics that still deliver a powerful message through the decades. Join librarian Tish Calhamer for a discussion celebrating literature's impact on history, society, and culture with "The Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, in the library's South Elgin Room. "The Invisible Man" is a young, black man who must grapple with his sense of identity in a racist world that renders him invisible, without influence. At the onset of Ellison's searing 1952 novel, the young man is filled with hope for the future, but after being expelled from college, he is drawn into a Harlem communist group called the Brotherhood. The Invisible Man must learn to stand as a man in a world that doesn't want him to be free.
• Enjoy "Music of the 1950s" from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, in the library's Meadows Community Rooms A&B. Join pianist David J. Nelson for a musical journey down memory lane as he performs music from the 1950s. David has performed with the Elgin Civic Symphony, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and Elgin Choral Union. Registration is required.
• Listen to Maurice Dyer spin the story of road racing in Elgin in a "Road Race Roundtable" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 15, in the library's Elgin Room. From the Elgin Road Races of the 1910s to the Piston Pin Special, you will be riveted by the road racing history that happened right here in Elgin, and the many personalities that contributed to the experience. From Maserati to Shelby, racing history happened here in Elgin. Registration is required.