Crowd gathers to dedicate historical road race marker

More than 150 people attended the Elgin Road Race Historical Marker dedication by the Elgin Area Historical Society Aug. 7 at THE National Bank in Elgin.

A brief ceremony included the presentation of the colors by the Elgin American Legion Post 57 and remarks by Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, Scott Damisch of THE National Bank, Stu Fliege of the Illinois State Marker Society, and Elgin historian Jerry Turnquist, co-chairman of the event with Bill Briska of the Elgin Area Historical Society.

A reception was held for all guests and visitors who viewed a privately owned display of Elgin metal vehicle tags from the road race era and historic photos of the Elgin Road Race. Members of the Elgin Model T Car Club displayed their historic cars in the bank's parking lot.

The events commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first Elgin Road Race. For information, call Turnquist at (847) 431-2472.