2023: 36th Annual Bluff City Cemetery Walk presented by Elgin History Museum

Recorded September 2023.
Meet seven former Elgin residents. Hear their story and the impact they had on the history of Elgin.
Characters:
William D. Ackemann
An astute businessman, one of the five brothers that owned Ackemann Bros. Department Store.
Portrayed by B. Todd Oakley
Joseph Hecker
Musician that organized the Elgin National Watch Factory Band and established the Elgin College of Music.
Portrayed by Thomas Rieser
Ruth Andersen
Lifelong teacher who taught at Wing School for 20 years.
Portrayed by Cheryl Rice
Geister Family - as told by Mary Geister
Superintendent of a windmill manufacturing firm, then owned a lumber company.
Portrayed by Carolyn Larsen
Gould Family - as told by Dorothy “Dot” Gould
Parents were tragically killed in the Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago. Dorothy became a community leader.
Portrayed by Nancy Braus
Chisholm Family - as told by Emma Chisholm
One of Elgin’s wealthiest families in the late 1800s - derived their wealth from mining interests in the West.
Portrayed by Carol Townsend
Abraham Leatherman
Established Leatherman's Tavern along Route 20. The tavern served as a way station for travelers and a social center.
Portrayed by Jeff Pripusich