Elgin Historical Society and Tribes of the Turkey River

07/07/2026

Elgin Historical Society
July 9, 2026 1:30 p.m.

Program Torkelson Motors 100th Anniversary by Torkelson Family

Call to Order Vicki Rowland
Secretary’s Minutes Mary Foxwell
Treasurer’s Report Paul Foxwell
Balance Report

Building Bob Jacob
Progress Report on Wi-Fi Access, security, projects, etc.
Security Cameras installed and working
Repaired deadbolt on upper door
Remaining window shades for upper library hallway are ordered. 1 sample installed

Accessions Noel and Deb Knight and Linda Jacobsen

Old Business
4 more memberships added in June. We are now at 89.
Contact established with Richard Hacken, Provo, Utah Researcher & Author on Swiss Heritage

New Business
Discuss arrangements for Open House during Music in the Park--this evening 4-?
We need 1-3 volunteers. Consider someone’s proposal for a $50 Family Membership this evening.
Sign up for July-August “Open Saturdays“ 10-2
July 11, July 18, July 25. August 1, August 8.
For security, we need 2 people each week.
Discuss contracting with Hauling Hounds LLC, Postville to haul junk out of the 2 basements
Estimated cost $1375.
Tribes of the Turkey River meeting update
Next Meeting August 13 1:30 Moore’s Grocery Stores by Kevin Moore

07/07/2026

Dear Member of EHS,

We have a special program coming up this week. Torkelson Motors, which has served the Elgin community and surrounding area for generations, is celebrating 100 years! The Torkelson Family will present our program. I hope you can make it and thank them for their valuable service to our community. They will present at 1:30 and our business meeting will follow. As always, feel free to invite a guest, and we will meet in the Parkside Room on the second floor of our museum on Center Street. There is a chair lift that is easy to use.

In addition on Thursday--Elgin is having their annual Music in the Park, right beside the museum. The Elgin Volunteer Fire Department will be grilling from 5-7, for a $5 Meal Deal. Bruce Bearinger will play from 5-8. Be sure to bring your lawn chair!
WE WILL HOLD OPEN HOUSE AT THE MUSEUM THAT EVENING FROM 4-6. DEPENDING ON HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS WE HAVE TO STAFF THE MUSEUM, WE WILL TRY TO REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 8. IF OUR FLAG IS OUT, WE ARE OPEN! COME FOR A FREE TOUR, A BATHROOM, AND OUR AIR CONDITIONING. This will be an agenda item at Thursday's meeting. Please consider volunteering for an hour or two to show our museum to visitors.

We added 4 new members to our roster in the month of June, which is exciting! Membership dues pay for the lights and heating and cooling, and insurance. Memorials and donations to the Tribes of the Turkey River go to creating the Interpretive Center. We are eagerly anticipating when the RC&D staff will install the exhibit this fall.

If you are from out of the area and wish a private tour, or have a question or suggestion, please do not hesitate to contact Paul Foxwell, Noel Knight or myself.

I am attaching the agenda for the July meeting. If you cannot attend, please consider volunteering for an Open Saturday. See the dates on the agenda and send me an email. "Many hands make light work." Thanks!

04/14/2026

Honoring the Tribes of the Turkey River

04/14/2026

04/14/2026

Museum Hours: May through October
Saturdays 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM or by appointment (563)422-4568 or (563)426-5939.

04/14/2026

Get a glimpse of home-life with furniture made in Elgin along with toys, cooking and laundry items. See class photos and yearbooks from Elgin’s public and rural schools. Find early garments, learn about businesses that began in Elgin, remember those who served our country, see farm and trade tools, discover the history of Elgin’s churches and organizations, explore the Turkey River Tribes’ history, and much more!