Vintage photos of Elgin by Elgin photographer on sale at museum
Submitted by Elgin Area Historical Society
Need a great gift for the holidays? The Elgin Area Historical Society features never-before-seen images of Elgin from the ’40s and ’50s taken by local photographer Ferris Moorhouse in the 2013 photo calendar. Images of V-J Day in August 1945, downtown retailers like Schicklers and Leath Furniture, parades and gas stations.
The Moorhouse photo studio was on the second floor above Wilson’s Shoes at 163 E. Chicago St., in downtown Elgin where Ferris did portrait photography and all his own processing and printing. He considered his best work to be candid wedding photography and horse shows around Illinois.
His work eventually involved insurance evidence, police work, commission work for businesses, political gatherings, schools, and even house calls for family events. With the development of new camera technology in the late 1950s, Moorhouse turned to other work and retirement, but never stopped loving photography. Ferris Moorhouse died in 1998 and his children have donated his photo images to the museum.
Calendars can be purchased for $12.95 online at elginhistory.org or at State Street Market, 701 N. State St., Elgin; Ace Hardwares at 215 N. Spring St. and 1158 Lillian St., Elgin; Soulful Sparrow Shop, 10 Douglas Ave., Elgin; or at the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St. Help support the museum and buy a calendar for 2013.
For details on the museum, call (847) 742-4248, email elginhistory@foxvalley.net, or visit [URL]elginhistory.org;[URL].
The museum is housed in an 1856 landmark building known as Old Main that was once part of the Elgin Academy. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Through permanent and changing exhibits, the museum brings to life Elgin’s rich heritage. Permanent exhibits include Elgin National Watch Company, the E. Maude and Carl Parlasca Native American Collection, and Elgin Road Race memorabilia.
Museum hours are noon to 4 p.mm. Wednesday to Saturday. For information or to make an appointment for using the research library, call the Old Main Museum at (847) 742-4248. Adult admission is $3, or $1 for students. There is no charge for society members. The facility is handicap-accessible.[/URL]