35 years of good bargains, EHS fundraising

Elgin's historic Teeple Barn collapsed last year, and the Elgin National Watch Co. closed its factory decades ago, but both are still alive in the pen-and-ink drawings of Warren Mogler.

Mogler hawked his drawings of historical Elgin buildings - including the Teeple Barn, the Watch Co. observatory and all six fire stations - at Sunday's annual Collectibles, Crafts and Flea Market put on by the Elgin High School PTO.

For the 35th annual flea market, thousands of locals and more than 150 vendors filled the halls and gymnasium of Elgin High from morning through the afternoon.

The flea market is the high school PTO's biggest annual fundraiser. The money raised, an estimated $8,000 to $10,000, goes toward scholarships and other programs that benefit high school students and teachers.

To mark the 35th year, the PTO brought in the Elgin High School Orchestra, which performed selections from "The Sound of Music" during the afternoon.

"We wanted to do something a little special," PTO President Cathy Nowdomski said.

Sunday was Mogler's second time selling his drawings at the flea market. The last time was 15 or 20 years ago, but Mogler has come with his wife to browse the market every year since.

"The flea market here today is the best I've ever seen it," Mogler said as passersby admired his detailed drawings of Elgin history.

"I've got all of Elgin here!" he said.

Richard King, of Algonquin, said high gas prices and some snow did little to keep people away.

"It's only once a year, but people just keep coming and coming," King said. "Everybody's spending money like crazy."

King was selling hundreds of vinyl records from his estimated collection of 2,000 albums for $1 apiece.

"Rock 'n' roll, classical, you name it - I've got everything," King said.

Joe and Cheri Guercio drove from Crystal Lake to support their friend, a vendor, and in hopes of finding some good deals.

"It's a good thing," Cheri said. "It's winter, there's snow outside, it's nice to get out."