When James Gifford originally laid out Elgin, his intention was for Center Street, the area above the often flooded lowland of the river, to be the hub of the city’s business district. That area, however soon became popular for the city’s vendors and stores began to spring up. In 1854, the city’s government was put into place and the intersection of the four square mile area was the intersection of East Chicago, Grove and Douglas Avenues. Farmers would bring their produce and livestock to sell, and soon this area became known as Market Square. Horses, however, need to be watered, so in 1873, a fountain was added and the area became known as Fountain Square.

Elgin was widely known for its dairies and butter production, and in 1898, The John Newman Company opened their offices in Fountain Square. Newman owned or controlled fifty two creameries, scattered throughout Northern Illinois, Eastern Iowa and Southern Wisconsin. It was reported that over 55,000 cows were pastured on more than 2,000 farms, which yielded over 500,000 quarts of Spring Brook Butter each day.

While it is uncertain when this card was printed, it certainly was before 1928, because the large red building in this photo is gone.  It was replaced by The Elgin Tower (also known as The Home Bank Building).  To learn more about Elgin's progress and see that same corner 10 or 15 years later, press here