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at Nite.
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Greetings From Elgin
Greetings From Elgin (1975)

National House

With such a huge work force,  finding suitable housing was a concern.   Construction began in the spring of 1867 on The National House, which was across the street from the watch factory. Originally,  National House was a three story building with an attic and a French roof and dormer windows. The cost of construction was ten thousand dollars and was established to provide living quarters for single employees.  A few suites were available for families.

Over the years, National House would expand to include a fourth floor with 150 rooms. By 1883, the newly expanded dining room had the ability to serve 500 guests at one time. To help provide fully rounded employees and citizens of Elgin, The National House included a billiards room, a smoking room for gentlemen and a library. Meals were also served to non-borders at prices below the carriage trade.

The next card shows the Watch Factory and National House.  It is easy to see how close they both were to each other.   

    

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Fox River
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Chgo Bridge at night
Kimball  Bridge
Walton Island
Pumping Station
Elgin Nat'l 
Watch Co.
West & Front Wing
Noon at Factory
The Main Entrance
National House
Elgin Watchmakers College
Il. Watch 
Case Factory
Eppenstein's Home
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N. Y. World's Fair
My Elgin's All Right
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Upper Lake
Band Stand
Audubon Museum
Pavilion At Night
Pavilion in Wintertime
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Trout Park  Amusement Park
Sulfur  Springs
(Wing Park)
Pavilion,
Wing Park
Swimming Pool
Band Concert
(Wing Park)
Weldwood Country Club
Central Park
Bridge over Tyler Creek
Windmill on Aurora Elgin RR
Hotels
Kelley Hotel
Hotel Fosgate
Fox Hotel
Misc.
Dairy Cows
Interurban
 Hiawatha
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