Jitney buses and sloppy counterfeiters made old Elgin headlines

Nowadays Uber rides for hire are making headlines, but 100 years ago "jitney buses" were carrying passengers in Elgin. Also making news in years past were a ring of sloppy counterfeiters, "beer clubs," and a bowling tournament unlike most.

Here's a look at some stories that made Elgin-area headlines during the beginning months of the year 50, 75 and 100 years ago.

1915

Jitney buses:

Automobiles with "jitney" painted on their windshields began carrying passengers in the city. Named for the slang term for a nickel - a jitney - these vehicles operated two east side routes with several others planned. Within a few weeks, the popularity waned and the venture came to an end.

Drug rules:

Elgin pharmacists were gearing up for new federal regulations requiring strict regulation of opium, coca leaves and other drugs sought by "drug fiends." The city physician said the new regulations were "superstitious regulations" because no one would follow the law. Druggists, however, said they favored the new rules since they would prevent transients from securing such drugs. Pharmacists who violated the legislation faced a fine of up to $2,000 or five years in prison.

Film review board:

Films shown in Elgin theaters would now be subject to review by a movie review board made up of four local women. Representing several clubs and appointed by the mayor, the panel had no authority to censor movies, but could make recommendations to the police chief who had the power to take action. The women also said they wanted theaters to show more films appropriate for children.

Beer "clubs":

Though Elgin Township had voted "dry" in the last election, members of the Anti-Saloon League charged that as many as 84 "beer clubs" flourished in the city. City officials said they were powerless to do anything since the clubs, operating with liquor that could be obtained from adjacent "wet" townships, did not violate the law. Opponents vowed to elect candidates in the next election who would close the clubs.

1940

Bowling brothers:

In one of the city's more unique annual events, 10 brothers gathered for their family's 19th annual bowling tournament at Schneider's Bowling Alley in the city's downtown. The sons of Peter and Ann Westerman, the contestants included Pete, Leo, Art (A.J.), Frank (Sam), Joe, Paul, Harold (Duke), Ed (Bozo), George and Harry (Red). The annual champion was determined by the brother who bowled the highest over his previous year's average with Ed claiming the 1940 honors. Following the contest, the brothers headed to their parents' east side home to conclude the annual family reunion.

Mayoral campaign:

As the mayor's race heated up, the incumbent candidate touted his support for filtered water at the Wing Park Pool, maintaining the city dump, providing regular trash pickup, enforcing stringent inspection of city restaurants, and building the new Highland Avenue Bridge with gas tax revenues, not property taxes. His opponent advocated more frequent washing of the city streets to prevent disease, keeping city streetlights on all night, erecting a municipal parking lot in the busy downtown, and appropriating more money for a full annual audit of the city's finances. Voters elected to keep the incumbent in office.

1965

Funny money:

Four pieces of bonded paper, each with a blurred image of a $10 bill found in the city dump, soon led Elgin police to a ring of local counterfeiters. The investigation of the four, who were charged with producing the bogus bills in a local home and garage, also uncovered a printing press, reams of high grade paper, cameras and etching equipment. It was the second raid for counterfeiting in a five-month period.

New library:

After operating for over 70 years in a home at Highland Avenue and Spring Street that had been converted for library use, voters of the Gail Borden Public Library District were asked to approve nearly $1 million for a new facility on North Grove Avenue near Kimball Street. Space for new books, more study and reading areas and the desire to operate on one floor instead of three were just some of the reasons cited by proponents for a new building. Although the measure carried easily with almost all precincts saying "yes," library officials said there was more work to be done including expansion of the district boundaries which were then limited to Elgin Township.

Landmark demolished:

Finally, among the many buildings being demolished in the 25 acres planned for Elgin's new Civic Center was the former Jennings Hotel located at the corner of Douglas and Highland avenues. Built in the early 1880s and considered one of the finest hotels in the area, the facility included central heating, indoor plumbing and a marble fireplace in each room. The name was later changed to the Merchants Hotel, the Fosgate Hotel, and finally the Lee Hotel before it closed.