Military encampment worries Elgin women

Thousands of National Guardsmen were coming to Elgin for a summer encampment in 1909, and there was concern - especially among some women - as to how safe the residents would be. Also making news were a rather disturbing window display, a rare find in the Fox River, and some health concerns that remind us that living in the good old days wasn't always what we think. Here's a look at those and others that made headlines a century ago this month.

Summer encampment: Thousands of National Guardsmen were coming to Elgin for a summer encampment in July 1909 and the presence of that many men had some women worried.

"Elgin needs to work together with the Army and citizen officers in guarding against the evils incident to such occasions," said the Y.W.C.A board in a resolution passed by the group.

"We also suggest that young girls not be allowed on the streets evenings unless properly supervised during the campaign and unless chaperoned by older persons."

One of the officers planning the event called the remarks "a vicious attack."

"To the stalwart young men who comprise our National Guard, let us give without stint the honor and gratitude they so richly deserve," said one Elgin pastor. "You men come greatly schooled as professional patriots," he added.

"I have implicit confidence in you and welcome you," added another clergyman.

Following a large parade in the downtown, the men set up camp on the newly opened Wing Park Golf course where various drills, maneuvers, and practices went on for two weeks. Local businesses thrived, street cars were packed and thousands of postcards were sent from Elgin by those who came to see the events.

"I am heartedly in favor of the return of the boys for another year," said one Elgin woman. "They behaved like gentleman."

"They were not followed by the usual disorderly crowd that goes out into the country after nearly every crowd that leaves Chicago," added another.

Also offering praise was Illinois Governor Charles Deneen who witnessed a number of the events.

The encampment ended virtually crime-free with one of the few exceptions being an attack on two guardsmen in the downtown by a pair of inebriated Elgin men. Wing Park was "none the worst for the wear" and earlier plans to secure funding from the state for golf course repair were abandoned.

Staying healthy: Public safety, in this era in which disease killed far more people than today, was foremost on the mind of the city health office who stressed several safety measures to the city.

"Keep flies away from the sick especially those with contagious diseases," he said. Also, "Be sure all table refuse is burned or buried, and do not allow decaying material of any kind to accumulate on your property."

The top official also said he was launching a major effort to test area milk for formaldehyde levels - an additive used at the time to limit bacteria and prolong shelf life.

Press pains: Newspapers could sometimes have difficulties with readership in the good old days too. After a 12-year run, the Elgin Evening Press, which published the Elgin Dial, decided to call it quits.

Begun by a man described as "energetic and ambitious" by one paper, the business failed to keep up with the competition by using antiquated equipment, said another source. The publication's stance as a Democratic newspaper in the heart of Republican Kane County also likely contributed to its demise.

Waste woes: Garbage collection in the good old days was quite lacking compared to today, and some women wanted some changes.

"The men picking up the garbage come irregularly and pick and choose what they want to pick up," charged one concerned woman.

"The long delay in making removal of garbage a municipal affair is only another argument for the selection of women to city offices," added another woman. "Men generally do what women want them to do, but it seems to take great deal of time to bring on the realization of what women want."

River treasure: Been doing any clamming lately? Pose that question a century ago and you would have heard hundreds who were scouring the Fox River answer "yes."

And, what was the fascination with such an endeavor? Finding pearls, of course. While most were of limited value, one lucky Elgin man said he was able to sell his for $65 - a value equal to more than $1,000 today.

Hypnotic music: Finally, what type of store window display could be so onerous that concerned citizens wanted it stopped?

The answer: a man playing a piano. But, not just any type of man - a hypnotized man. After learning that the piano playing went on all night in a store window, some citizens wanted the practice stopped. The police chief responded by issuing an order banning future performances.