This February, the Gail Borden Public Library rotunda will welcome a very special guest: a century-old milk wagon. Part of the “Celebrating 250 Years of Elgin” commemorative exhibit, the wagon’s arrival marks a homecoming for a piece of the city’s rich dairy legacy.
A Nod to Our Roots
Given that the Gail Borden Public Library is named after a titan of the dairy industry, library officials were thrilled when Liz Marston of the Elgin History Museum offered to loan the vintage Elgin Sanitary Milk Company wagon. This marks the first time the wagon has been on display within the city.
Moving the historic vehicle was no small feat. “We want to thank the SMC staff for their expertise in navigating the complex logistics of getting the oversized wagon through the library doors,” said library officials. “We also extend our gratitude to Campton Township and Artie’s Towing for their delicate handling of this local treasure. As the Library is named after Gail Borden, a superstar of the dairy industry as the patent holder of condensing milk, we love hosting the milk wagon.”
Butter Carvings and Cultural Icons
The exhibit, which follows a timeline from 1776 to the present day, highlights Elgin’s tenure as a global dairy leader (1870s–1920s). To celebrate the era of the “Elgin cut” butter shape, the library will host a unique butter carving display.
“I knew when I got to Elgin and discovered the history of the ‘Elgin cut’ that I wanted to do something with butter carving,” said Amanda Harris, Elgin’s Director of Cultural Arts & Special Events. “This exhibit provides the perfect opportunity.” The carved sculptures will be on display at the city’s Fourth of July Celebration later in the year.
The exhibit will feature an overview of 250 years of this area. The Elgin Public Museum has contributed a replica Roach—a traditional headdress worn by Native American men, including the Potawatomi people who originally inhabited this region. The exhibit will host several other loaned items from both the Elgin History Museum and the Public Museum.
A Community-Wide Celebration
The library exhibit is the first element of the Elgin 250 festivities, coordinated by the Elgin Area Chamber’s Enhancing Elgin committee. Partners include the City of Elgin, School District U-46, Elgin Community College, Side Street Studio, Downtown Neighborhood Association, Explore Elgin Area and more.
“In honor of America’s 250th birthday, we proudly recognize the people of Elgin who have lived the American Dream,” states the 250th celebration’s mission. “Through hard work, resilience, and hope, they’ve built a stronger community reflecting the spirit of our nation.”
Engaging the Next Generation
The festivities aren’t just about looking back; they are about looking forward.
- Youth Art Contest: Students are invited to create art based on the theme “What they hope for the next 150 years.”
- Sustainability Sculpture: Side Street Studio will lead a project at the McLean Avenue YMCA to create a sculpture from found items.
- Time Capsules: Families will have the opportunity to participate in creating time capsules to be opened by future generations.
“We are delighted to see everyone working together to highlight 250 years of Elgin,” said Carol Gieske, CEO of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage everyone to get involved.”
For a full schedule of events, audio tours, and contest details that will culminate in the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with the July 4th Parade, please visit the official website at www.elginil250.com
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Please visit Gail Borden’s South Elgin Branch in the future to see a display honoring South Elgin’s past 250 years. In addition, Project 231, the Elgin History Museum exhibit that highlights the powerful impact of African Americans in Elgin, will be on display at Gail Borden Main in February.
Upcoming 250th Library events and programs will be listed all year long on library website www.gailborden.info/250.
