Juvenile drivers posed a problem on roads in 1912
By E.C. “Mike” Alft For The Courier-News July 13, 2012 11:26AM
** ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS MAY 1-4 ** FILE **Legendary entertainers Bing Crosby, right, and Bob Hope appear in a scene from the 1962 film "The Road to Hong Kong," in this March 30, 1962, file photo. Centennial observances for Crosby, who would be 100
Updated: August 17, 2012 6:14AM
What was happening in Elgin during the month of July 100, 75, 50, 25 and 10 years ago?
July 1912
The rising cost of living attracted attention when the price of milk jumped a penny, from 6 cents to 7 cents a quart.
The Fourth of July was celebrated with a huge parade featuring 150 floats and marching bands, decorated automobiles and Elgin’s first fire engine. In the evening, there was a display of fireworks at Wing Park. Moving pictures were taken of the day’s events.
Complaints were heard that children under age 12 were driving automobiles. The police department said this was occurring only in residential districts with an adult in the machine with them.
A new street sweeping machine driven by a gasoline motor and operated by one man was tested on Grove and Highland avenues. The inventor was J.M. Murphy of Elgin.
July 1937
The Cole Brothers circus — featuring Clyde Beatty the animal trainer, and Ken Maynard, star of movie Westerns — came to town for two performances.
Frank Buck, the famed big-game hunter, was arrested for speeding on South State Street and fined $5.
July 1962
Lovell Hall on the Elgin Academy campus was razed. It was erected in 1887 as a manual training building.
The Board of Education ended the year with an enrollment of 12,929 and a substantial surplus.
Shoppers thronged downtown streets for the annual sidewalk sale.
Construction was started on a new office building for Shakeproof Division of Illinois Tool Works.
The city annexed the 43-acre Larkin High School campus and the 38-acre Memorial Field.
The new Wing Park band shell was opened with a concert by the Elgin Summer Band. Funds for the project were raised by the Jaycees.
New quarters were completed for the Elgin Marine Club on the Fox River at the end of Slade Avenue.
At the Grove: Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Joan Collins in “The Road to Hong Kong”; at the Crocker: Cary Grant and Doris Day in “That Touch of Mink.”
July 1987
The Woodruff & Edwards foundry, Elgin’s oldest industry, closed, leaving 150 employees without jobs.
The Elgin Post Office celebrated its 150th anniversary with an open house. Coffee and cake were served to visitors, and employees conducted tours.
Because of possible infection with the AIDS virus, Elgin police and firefighters put on rubber gloves when dealing with drunks, prostitutes and drug dealers.
July 2002
The Grand Victoria Foundation gave $800,000 to the Community Crisis Center.
Year-round classes opened at Garfield, Channing and Sheridan schools.
The Channing Street YMCA closed its doors. It was operating at a deficit and in need of repair.
Elgin celebrated receiving the National Civic League’s All America City award.
The first-place cycling team in the Four Bridges of Elgin Race completed the 72-mile course in 2 hours, 29.11 minutes.
