Happy 50th to Elgin’s historical society

Fifty years ago, Elgin resident Richard Bennett, then 20, was the Elgin Historical Society’s youngest charter member. On Saturday, the 70-year-old joked that he still is.

“Fifty years ago we never dreamed we’d have something nice like this,” Bennett said at the Elgin History Museum, where the society celebrated turning 50 with a gathering of supporters.

Elgin is among the few communities that have a history museum, which allows newcomers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fabric of the city, said local historian E.C. “Mike” Alft.

“Whenever someone comes from Mexico or Laos, when they come here, they are a part of our heritage,” said Alft, who at the event released his latest book, “A History of Elgin History.

The historical society is an offshoot of the Old Settlers’ Association, which formed in 1869, about 35 years after Elgin’s first residents settled along the Fox River, Alft said.

Saturday also marked the official opening of the museum’s artifact garden, which contains two Civil War-era cannons, a cornerstone from the Elgin Masonic Temple, and the bell of the former Elgin National Watch Company, said historical society President George Rowe. The museum acquired all the items in the last 10 years, but only recently worked on polishing their presentation, he said.

“We talk about relics or remembrances, but I have a different take on it,” said Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain, who participated in the celebration. “These are symbols of our city.”

Among the historical society’s initiatives is the Elgin BikeChain Project, which kicked off Saturday with a bike ride that went by Elgin’s three museums — the history museum, the Elgin Public Museum and the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum — and other landmarks on the city’s east side.

The Elgin Area Historical Society’s big fundraiser is its annual cemetery walk held at Bluff City Cemetery on Sunday, Sept. 25. For more information, visit elginhistory.org.