Elgin councilman pens myths, memories of his youth

More than 50 people gathered Monday night to take a trip down memory lane, courtesy of Elgin native Mike Powers.

The 50-year-old Elgin councilman penned his debut book, "All-American Stories: Elgin Myths and Memories" and he had plenty of local star power to for people to come out, pick up a copy, and listen to a few chapters.

"There's a rich history in Elgin," said Derrick Mayes, a fellow 1975 Elgin High School graduate and Powers' former basketball teammate.

"He remembers every detail, every name," added Elgin resident Brian Oldfield, a 1972 Olympian and former world record holder in the shot put. "This is more of a modern history as seen through the eyes of a kid."

Both Mayes and Oldfield are written about in the 188-page book, which is available at Books at Sunset, State Street Market, or by calling publisher George Rawlinson at (847) 8902-3664.

Powers said the first half of the book stemmed from an essay he wrote for a local paper about three years ago called "Sacred Places" about the old Elgin High gym.

"It seemed to resonate with people," he said, adding he expanded it to include stories about the city's best hamburger joint and old theater.

The latter half is about football and basketball games and the local sports scene in the 1960s and 1970s.

"I make no apologies for skewing the book toward Elgin High," part of the book read. "These are the stories I know best and I bleed maroon."

Powers said he wrote from spring 2007 through September 2007 and had Rawlinson edit it and confirm facts.

"I didn't want it to be a vanity project. I really wanted it to be worthwhile," Powers said. "(Rawlinson) assured me it had merit."

Added Rawlinson: "This is a first-person, up-close-and-personal look at Elgin. Mike lived everything he wrote."

Evelyn and Roy Chapman heard about the book from a woman at their church. Even though they are not Elgin natives, they wanted to learn more.

"This is a great chance to get in touch with its history," she said.