Elgin’s Bluff City Cemetery Walk honors local history and legacies

Posted September 24, 2025 10:09 pm

Submitted by Elgin Area Historical Society

C.W. Helm, far right, an aviation pioneer who opened the Elgin’s first airport and flight school, will be featured in this year's Bluff City Cemetery Walk. Courtesy of Elgin Area Historical Society

Experience Elgin's past through outdoor theatrical performances at the Bluff City Cemetery Walk on Sept. 27-28, highlighting notable locals like an early car dealer, a pioneering female driver, a decorated World War II pilot, and a road safety innovator.

The 38th annual event designed to educate people about Elgin’s history and the importance of preserving cemeteries attracted over 600 people last year. Organized by volunteers and staff of the Elgin History Museum, the cemetery walk has been a tradition since 1987.

Alice “Byrd” Potter made history in 1908 as the first woman to drive from Chicago to New York without a male chaperone. Courtesy of Elgin Area Historical Society

A guide will lead each group on a 70-minute tour that showcases gravesites of seven former residents. At the gravesite, an actor in period costume will bring the person to life. Hear their story and the impact they had on the history of Elgin.

Charles H. Burnidge Courtesy of Elgin Area Historical Society

• Charles Harrison Burnidge, born in Elgin in 1871, overcame the loss of his leg to lead a full life as a family man, humorist, and dedicated public servant. He married Ellen, raised nine children, and served as Elgin Township Road Commissioner, earning praise for improving local roads. A proud Republican and quirky collector, Burnidge left a legacy of service, love, and laughter before passing in 1949. Burnidge Park now stands near his former home.

• Clarence W. “C.W.” Helm, born in 1893, was a self-taught pilot and aviation pioneer in Elgin. He opened the city’s first airport and flight school, flew the first airmail, and later conducted dangerous weather flights for the U.S. Weather Bureau. During World War II, he trained naval pilots. After flying, he ran a successful heating business. Known for his faith, humor, and dedication, Helm inspired many — especially his daughter, who called him her hero.

• David A. McBride, born in Ireland in 1856, became one of Elgin’s most influential figures and its first car dealer. After early ventures in construction and windmills, he co-founded McBride Brothers Company, selling Buicks and farm machinery. His dealership became Northern Illinois’ largest, selling thousands of vehicles. A civic-minded businessman and family man, McBride left a lasting legacy — his name lives on in McBride Avenue, near the Fox River Trail. He died in 1927 in his home on Douglas Avenue.

Leo James McGrath, a decorated Marine fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War, founded Elgin’s McGrath car dealerships. Courtesy of Elgin Area Historical Society

• Leo James McGrath, born in 1921 in North Dakota, served honorably as a decorated Marine fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War. After the military, he built a thriving career in the auto industry, starting with a gas station and eventually founding Elgin’s iconic McGrath dealerships. A visionary leader, he pioneered auto mall development and introduced Honda to Chicago. McGrath died in 2007, leaving behind a lasting family legacy in Elgin and beyond.

• Alice “Byrd” Potter, born in Elgin in 1875, was a talented musician and pioneering female driver. She taught multiple instruments, led a female orchestra, and composed music. In 1908, she made history as the first woman to drive from Chicago to New York without a male chaperone. A skilled and fearless motorist, she maintained her own cars and championed early auto travel. Potter lived a vibrant life, passing away at 80 in 1955.

An early automobile fan, TJ Schmitz pushed for paved roads and secured U.S. Route 20 through Elgin. Courtesy of Elgin Area Historical Society

• Theodore J. “TJ” Schmitz moved to Elgin in 1885 and worked at the National Watch Factory for 28 years. Fascinated by automobiles, he became president of the Elgin Motor Club and championed road safety, including speed limits, school patrols, and the invention of the center yellow line — known globally as the Illinois Line. He fought for paved roads and secured U.S. Route 20 through Elgin. Schmitz died in 1941 after a lifetime of civic impact.

• Frank “Tootie” Wood, born in 1877, was a passionate auto enthusiast who helped bring road racing to Elgin. After founding the Elgin Automobile Club, he led efforts to create the Elgin National Road Race in 1910. A serious car accident nearly ended his dreams, but he recovered and continued as race flagman for a decade. A veteran, car dealer, and lifelong thrill-seeker, Wood lived to nearly 100, leaving Elgin a legacy of speed and spirit.

Tickets are $25, with timed entry rather than open all-day tickets, so choose the best show time for you. For tickets, go to elginhistory.org/2025-cemetery-walk/. There will be no tickets available at the gate.

Times are 3 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. It is a rain or shine event. The entire walk is about three-quarter of a mile with some hills, and there are chairs available at each performance site. Learn more at facebook.com/ElginCemeteryWalk/.

For questions, call the Elgin History Museum at (847) 742-4248 or email museum@elginhistory.org.

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