Beautiful landscaping and a classic building distinguish the Elgin History Museum.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
I spent some time in Elgin taking photos of eye-catching, unique and/or significant elements that make the community different from the rest.
I've lived in Elgin for the past three years, following a 40-odd-year run in the greater Naperville area. So I mapped out a plan of attack with my wife, Margaret Brady, who was born and raised in Elgin. Between us, we came up with a list of roughly 45 places I know — or should know.
Yes, some photos are of local institutions, but you may be struck by the number of churches, golf courses and food/drinking establishments on our photo tour. That probably provides some insight into Margaret and me.
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And tell us what photos are your favorites. Which ones stir a memory for you? Where do you love to go in town?
So here's “Icons of Elgin.”
First, let me acknowledge my driver for this photo tour of Elgin ...
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Administration building at Judson College, an evangelical Christian college that has drawn such world leaders as George W. Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice and Felipe Calderon to its speakers program launched in 2011.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
It evokes comparisons with Chicago's Humboldt Park - the field house at Lords Park.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
This place serves beer. American craft beer. And nothing else. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Veterans Memorial Park. One of my favorite shots in this photo gallery.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Aw, what the heck. Loved the setting for Veterans Memorial Park so much, I'll give you a second, bonus photo.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Lords Park Zoo. Please: Don't feed the buffalo!
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
What a great idea: Build a new library, park it on the Fox River, with lots of floor-to-ceiling windows. Gail Borden Library, built in 2003. Hey, did you know Gail Borden was a guy?
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
These three guys carrying farm implements seem to be guarding - or perhaps looking for - the Fox River.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
A building from ancient Rome? Or perhaps Elgin Academy?
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Elgin Community College Arts Center.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
This was my North Star when we moved to Elgin, as in, 'Oh, is that north or south of El Faro?' Favorite carryout place. Try the chile relleno burrito.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Elgin Public Museum in Lords Park.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
The recently closed Family Life church in downtown Elgin. Just don't build 'em like this anymore, do they? The building is for sale.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
The iconic Elgin Tower building. Could have used the word 'iconic' several times on this photo tour. Saved it just for this 1920s-era building, which went from a spot on the historic register to 'most endangered' historic buildings list in a short span.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Elgin. Stumbled across a Friday afternoon wedding taking these shots. Who knew?
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
First United Methodist Church on Highland Avenue, one of many in downtown Elgin, sometimes called the city of churches.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Nick's Pizza at Bowes and Randall Roads.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
The majestic Grand Victoria getting ready for a cruise down the Fox? Perhaps not, but it's certainly drawn the tourist dollar to Elgin.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Like many other Fox River towns, Elgin is trying to make the most of its proximity to the river. Here is a view of the just-completed Riverside Drive.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Wing Park Golf Course, one of the oldest in the nation. Tiny greens, mature trees. And if you think it's a snap because it's a nine-holer, try playing No. 6 from the back tees.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Elgin Little League resides in Wing Park on Elgin's near West side.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
Entrance to Judson University.
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com
The upscale Bowes Creek Country Club. Here, you don't pay greens fees; you become a 'member for a day.'
Jim Davis/jdavis@dailyherald.com