Fun work for kids

Take a journey back in time and experience life in Elgin more than a hundred years ago.

The fourth annual Elgin Youth History Fair is scheduled from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Lords Park Pavilion in Lords Park, 100 Oakwood Blvd., Elgin.

Kids of all ages can grind corn, stamp tin, pump water, finger-weave, build a cobblestone house and churn butter.

"We try very hard to keep the fair authentic," said Lucy Elliott, Elgin Youth History Fair coordinator.

"Kids can read about things in the past, but it is not as meaningful until they can see and hold the objects.

"We've made an effort to use local people as exhibitors -- the top people in the community who are experts in Elgin history," Elliot said.

Ernie Broadnax, the son of a local shoemaker, will show children what a cobbler did years ago.

In a plank cabin, a tailor will demonstrate his craft according to 1850s standards. Visitors can learn the art of finger-weaving and see a spinner at work.

Also in the plank cabin will be historian Mike Alft and Sarosh Saher, city preservationist, who will present a slide show of old Elgin sites.

A schoolmarm will bring along an old school primer and quills to write with.

"Not many kids today would know what a quill is," Elliot said.

The exhibit shows the progression of writing tools, from quills to moveable block type, covering roughly the years from 1800 to 1900.

"For the first time, this year we will have a French voyageur, who trades by water," Elliot said.

Back by popular demand is Michael Kett, "Professor Marvel," with his authentic flea circus.

"He's a hoot," Elliott said.

"People ask me each year if the 'flea guy' will be back --he's a favorite."

To share the fun beyond the fair, "kids will plant flowers in small baskets, which will be given to the Senior Center and nursing homes for our older friends," Elliott said.

Children will color pictures of Elgin landmarks as well, and Elliott hopes to send the artwork along with the blooms.

The fair takes place almost entirely through the work of volunteers -- except for one or two exhibitors.

"John Devine at Elgin High School steers his history students to help at the fair," Eliott said.

"They are an integral part of our fair. They help children with the water pump, grinding corn, etc."

"The first fair (in 2004) went quite well and the Elgin Area Historical Society now sponsors the event," Elliott said.

She, Linda Rock, Mary Hannert and Tricia Grosser are the movers and shakers who put the fair together.

The Elgin Area Historical Society offers this free, fun, and educational event along with support from the City of Elgin, the Elgin Public Museum, Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin High School and Elgin Academy students.

Although there is no entry fee, donations are appreciated.

For more information, call Old Main Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin; at (847) 742-4248.

If you go

What: Elgin Youth History Fair

When: 10:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Lords Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Blvd., Elgin

How much? Free

Call: (847) 742-4248