New book takes a look at Elgin's history

The Elgin Area Historical Society invites the public to visit the Old Main Museum for the release of a new publication Thursday.

"There Used to Be; A Look Back at Elgin's Architectural Heritage, Volume Two" by local author Steven Stroud is ready for release.

Stroud will present a PowerPoint presentation about Elgin's residential history. The presentation includes images of residences, methods of research, sources of photographs and an occasional tale about the homeowners.

Following the presentation, Stroud will be available to sign books. "There Used to Be, Volume 2" continues where his original book left off. Included are additional homes that are physically gone forever, but preserved in photographs. Also included are homes that changed locations and those that survive in altered state or have been painstakingly renovated to past glory.

The book is available for $29.95 plus tax, at the museum's store. Volume 2 includes photos that have been unseen for decades and computer enhanced. The book was made possible with financial assistance from the Elgin Heritage Commission.

The Old Main Museum is at 360 Park St., Elgin. Bring your lunch; beverages and dessert with be provided. The lecture is $3 or free to society members.

The Old Main museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for students and free for society members and children younger than 6.

Permanent exhibits are "Elgin's Beginnings," "Hiawatha Pageant," "Elgin Road Races" and "Elgin Watch Factory. The temporary exhibit is "Made in Elgin."

For details, call (847) 742-4248 or visit www.elginhistory.org.