V-J Day program at Gail Borden Library

Relive the excitement in downtown Elgin 70 years ago when Elgin joined the nation in celebrating the end of World War II.

Lifelong resident Dale Moorhouse will present a program, "Elgin's Celebration of V-J Day" featuring the photos taken by his late father, Ferris Moorhouse, a professional Elgin photographer, at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.

Now part of the "Elgin History Museum - Moorhouse Collection," the photos depict the huge celebration in downtown Elgin the evening of Aug. 14, 1945 when peace was announced.

There were wall to wall people, impromptu parades, impromptu baseball games, and newsboys roaming the streets yelling "Extra, extra read all about it," according to eyewitnesses.

Assembled with the help of Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist, the program will also encourage attendees to identify some of the people in these historic photos.

The library also plans a display of pictures in its lobby until the end of the month. Viewers of the display are also encouraged to help identify those in the photos.