Echoes of Elgin: Timeless Tales from the Elgin History Museum

Weddings: from the most bizarre to somewhat blissful

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0500

June is a traditional month for weddings. This echo from June 17, 2002 describes some of Elgin's more unique weddings and marriages.

Grace Marsh Topping, early civic leader in Elgin

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Grace Marsh Topping had an abundant life, filled with the joys of service to her church and community. Learn more in an echo from May 18, 1986.

Academy schooled Elgin elite

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:05:17 -0500

You have 2 easy ways to learn about the old Elgin Academy, this echo from March 19, 1989 or the exhibit at the Elgin History Museum.

Elgin's German heritage traces back to 1848

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0500

The Germans were one of Elgin's earliest Immigrant groups. Pour yourself an Adler Brau and listen to this echo from October 2, 1983.

Rags to riches: Arthur Leath

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Leath Furniture was once a staple Midwestern retailer, and it all began here in 1903. Pull up a recliner (only $4.95 at Leath in 1914) and learn more from this October 14, 1984 echo.

Early progress was once "a gift of the Fox"

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

The Fox River plays a key role of Elgin's story. Tune into this echo from December 28, 1981 to hear about some of the early steamships on the Fox.

Elgin's first lighting system was towering site

Fri, 22 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

November 24, 1883 was a big day in Elgin. Bask in the electric glow of this echo from December 11, 1983.

Elgin once kept humming to the tune of a whistle

Tue, 19 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

What would be called a nuisance today was once a treasured community tradition. This echo chimes in from February 8, 1987.

Commemorative coin noted Elgin centennial

Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

The stories of the 1936 Elgin half-dollar coin and our Pioneer Memorial are told in this echo from October 12, 1986.

Few traces remain of Elgin's once-busy gravel business

Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Dig into this echo from November 29, 1998 to hear more about how gravel was once a common Elgin export.

John Newcomb: Elgin's record keeper

Fri, 08 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Local genealogists owe a hearty "Thank You" to John Newcomb. Learn why in an echo from November 6, 1988.

Road Races spawned junior coasters

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Motorless racers and pushmobiles were all the rage in Elgin in 1910-1915. This echo from August 17, 1986 tells the tale.

Past happenings from the month of May

Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 -0500

In case you missed the news items from the month of May 1888, 1913, 1938, 1963 and 1978...this echo from May 1, 1988 will catch you up.

Elgin racetracks drew horse lovers from near and far

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Horse racing in Elgin? You bet! Odds are, you will enjoy this echo from November 13, 1983.

Three Elgin marathons

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

If running for 26 miles does not interest you, maybe you will like the other kinds of marathons described in this echo from November 25, 1984.

Elginites sighted UFO in 1897, twice

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

A mysterious airship was sighted over Elgin in 1897, just as predicted. E.C. "Mike" Alft reports the facts in this echo from September 25, 1983.

Swell of supermarkets made for healthy pickings

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Did you eat yet? Tune into this echo from August 19, 2002 to see if your favorite supermarket, past or present, is mentioned in this list of Elgin's best.

An old solution to a current problem: the Kane County Poor Farm

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:17:14 -0500

The Kane County Poor Farm played a key role in addressing a problem still all too common today. This echo from July 30, 1989 gives a brief history of the institution.

Elgin post office had grown with U.S.

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Elgin's post office dates to July 19, 1839. Learn it's history in this echo from November 29, 1987.

Elgin had its share of industrial disappointments

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Not every business can succeed. Here are some past failures, as reported by E.C. Mike Alft on November 22, 1998.

News from Aprils past

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Tune into this echo from April 1, 2002 to find out what was making news in Elgin in April of 1902, 1927, 1952, 1977 and 1992.

"Tiny Trains" made in Elgin

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

All Aboard! This tiny steam-powered podcast is stopping at August 30, 1987 so passengers can learn about when Elgin made tiny trains! Watch Your Step!

Celebrity visitors dropped in

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Elgin has always been the place to be. Learn which famous celebrities have come to Elgin in this echo from September 23, 1984.

Borden milk was cream of the crop in advertising

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Tune in to this echo from December 18, 1983 to hear some great advertising ideas from the Borden Milk Co, circa 1893.

Undertaking business had its origin in 1830s

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Where people live, people also die. The history of funeral services in Elgin is spelled out in this echo from November 23, 1986.

Liquor control woes started back in 1838

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500

When was Elgin's first saloon opened? How did Elgin react to Prohibition? When were bars permitted to open on Sundays? When could a kid buy liquor with a note from his parents? So much to learn in this echo from June 20, 1999.

Elgin inventor lacked the Wright stuff

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Orville and Wilbur who? Never heard of 'em. I'm an Uncle Dan Guptail gal. Learn about Elgin's aero-inventor and 2 other hometown patent-holders in this echo from February 19, 1984.

Two Elgin restaurants each served city for 50 years

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Now gone, the Kelly Hotel restaurant and the Blue Moon cocktail lounge are worth remembering. This echo from January 11, 1998 serves up the facts.

"Elgin Shirts" had a short but prosperous lifespan

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Just when you think you know all the various products manufactured in Elgin, you find out about the "Elgin Shirt". More information available in this echo from March 15, 1982.

Pool players recall Rathole's reputation

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Does your mama know you hang out at the Rathole? Maybe she will forgive you after she listens to this echo from January 15, 1984.

Elgin was once a wild and woolly town in the 1880s

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

This echo from April 18, 1984 reads like a post in a neighborhood gossip group. But, I am a big fan of those 2 ladies strolling in the cemetery moonlight, NGL.

Watch case factory grew fast

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

The Illinois Watch Case Co. operated in town during the peak years of the Elgin National Watch Co. Can you tell these Elgin business icons apart or explain how Elgin American Inc. fits in? You will be able to after listening to this echo from April 15, 1984.

Three images of Elgin from the corridors of time

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Sometimes Elgin history offers more small stories than big ones. Here are 3, in this echo from May 17, 2008. Topics include directions to Chicago, camping and a bonfire.

How many presidents came calling on Elgin?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

How many U.S. Presidents do you think have visited Elgin? You may be surprised at the answer revealed in this echo from January 26, 1997.

Mary Newsome, born into slavery, sowed Elgin roots

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Mary Newsome was born into slavery and came to Elgin as a Civil War refugee. Generations later, her family ties to Elgin remain strong. This echo from May 12, 1985 tells her story.

Boxing, gambling have long connection in Elgin

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Boxing was once a popular spectator sport in Elgin, whether the cops and preachers liked it or not. You have a ringside seat to the whole story in this echo from November 21, 1999.

Armour Meats' Elgin ties not always very savory

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In another example of how Elgin seems to have a connection to just about everything that ever happened in the world....check out this echo from June 24, 1984 to learn Elgin's connection to Armour Meats and The Jungle by Upton Sinclair.

First Sherman hospital home may still stand

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Sherman Hospital was first established in a home on Channing Street. When the hospital outgrew the home, was it torn down...or moved? Tune into this echo from September 15, 1985 to hear one historian's opinion....especially if you are the current resident of 556 Hickory Place.

Turnbull was an Elgin building pioneer

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Among Elgin's unique architectural styles is the double brick flat. Perhaps you have driven by examples near the old Elgin High School. This echo from August 26, 1984 will introduce you to their designer, Gilbert Turnbull.

Business schools left mark on Elgin

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Before Elgin Community College or Judson University, there was an option for students wishing to continue their professional training in Elgin. Our first business school opened in 1885. Eyes on the board, ears tuned to this echo from August 19, 1984.

Elgin Stove tapped a hot market

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Fire up this echo from August 12, 1984 to learn about the Elgin Stove & Oven Co. Then pop in to the Elgin History Museum to see a few examples on display.

Fox River bend claims many lives over the years

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

It was 157 years ago this week that Elginite Carrie Clark fell through the ice and drowned in the Fox River. The perils of the Fox River in the early days are explained in this echo from June 17, 1984.

Automobile paved CA&E line's demise

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

All aboard the Roarin' Elgin train! Tune into this echo from July 12, 1982 to learn about the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin interurban electric railway. Aurora Elgin...Roarin' Elgin...get it? Say it fast. There you go, you got it.

Elgin's second worst tornado still left city, farms ravaged

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Much is written about Elgin's worst tornado. Our second-worst tornado was noteworthy as well. Learn more about the July 2, 1933 tornado in this echo from June 1, 2008.

Some strange but true tales of Elgin's past

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Strange! But true! Enjoy some of Elgin history's tiniest, yet most interesting, tidbits in this echo from January 27, 1991.

Let's take a look at the laws of 1883

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Do you have more than 3 hogs in your yard? Did you walk on the grass in Gifford Park? Does your sleigh lack bells?! Well, be glad it's not 1883 when all of these things were against Elgin's Municipal Ordinances. Take some legal advice from this December 2, 2002 echo and clean up your act.

Crime, saloon trouble led to South Elgin's incorporation

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

South Elgin's road to incorporation was as bumpy as its unpaved portion of Route 31. Learn about the details in this echo from June 25, 1989.

Believe it or not, Elgin's history included its own fall guys

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

The stories of Robert Meggison, Ed Souzla and Shanty Pask have something in common. Tune into this echo from May 14, 2001 to find out what it is.

Gift #5 - Piano maker once called Elgin home

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Happy Holidays! Today is the last day of our Extra Echoes of Elgin celebration. We hope you enjoy this echo from October 12, 1981 on the Seybold Piano Company.

Gift #4 - Winters' delights from the good ol' days

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Happy Holidays! The gifts keep coming; here is another extra Echo of Elgin, just for you. Did you know sledders used to fly down our city streets in the old days? Learn more in this echo from February 23, 2008.

Gift #3 - Bicycling became craze of big wheels

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Happy Holidays! We have a present for you: another extra episode. Are bicycles still a common holiday gift? Well, they sure were popular in 1896, at least. Learn more in this echo from July 19, 1982.

Gift #2 - Blizzard of 1918 stranded hundreds in trains

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Happy Holidays! It's time to unwrap another Extra Echo of Elgin. Are you traveling for the holidays? If so, we hope that you do not have the same kind of trouble these railroad passengers had. Let's unwrap this echo from February 16, 1986.

Gift #1 - Butter given a reprieve in "house of correction"

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Happy Holidays! Echoes of Elgin has a gift for you...extra episodes! Please don't give anyone a box of "Renovated Butter" for Christmas this year. You'll make Elgin look bad. Learn more in this echo from June 10, 1984.

Skirt lengths, watch sales reflected past Elgin economy

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

When fashionable skirt lengths rose above the knee, Elgin National Watch Company profits seemed to rise as well. Coincidence? You be the judge after listening to this echo from November 9, 1997.

"Man of Accidents" cheated death

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Richard R. Parkin (1845-1915) was probably not a guy you would want to stand next to. Heed this warning from November 15, 1987.

Baseball greats once played in Elgin

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Some of the biggest names in early baseball once played in Elgin. Let E.C. "Mike" Alft give you the play-by-play in this echo from July 23, 1995.

Foundry cast an impact on Elgin

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

The Woodruff & Edwards foundry stood on State Street for more than a century. E.C. "Mike" Alft gives a history of the company in this echo from February 22, 1998.

Making shoes was big Elgin business

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

I, for one, am glad they went with the name "Shoe Factory Road" rather than "Selz-Schwab Shoe Supplier Street." Tune into this echo from January 25, 1982 to learn more.

School site was Elgin cemetery

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

The site of Channing Memorial Elementary has a history that goes way back...and way down. Learn more in this echo from March 20, 1988.

Early 1900s Elgin was "up" on concrete blocks

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Elgin is well-known for its historic architecture. We even have some old homes made of an unexpected material...concrete block. Tune into this echo from December 21, 1981 to learn the how and where.

Purple Grackle the place to go to have a good time in 1923

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Would you have frequented the Purple Grackle, back in the day? Wait...which version? The Purple Grackle in 1923, or the Purple Grackle in 1951? There is quite a difference, and one you may not want to admit to. Pour yourself a drink and learn more in this echo from December 15, 1996.

Old houses have stories to tell

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Tune into this echo from July 26, 1998 to hear about a few houses on South, Brook and Morgan Sts., as well as Bluff City and McLean Blvds.

Elgin's Chicago clock is still ticking

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Have you seen the ornate clock in downtown Chicago? Not the Marshall Field's clock...the better one! The Elgin National Watch Company clock on East Wacker Drive, of course. Tune into this echo from July 25, 1999 and you'll learn enough to educate some Chicagoans on their own clock.

Elgin's architectural heritage: Tents to Trailers to Octagons

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

We can never hear too many stories about Elgin's unique homes. This echo from September 22, 2007 covers a few classes of architecture rarely mentioned.

Patent medicines "cured" anything

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Do you have freckles, premature old age or diptheria? Better get yourself a bottle of patent medicine. I would go with the one made in Elgin. Let Mike Alft prescribe you a remedy in this echo from April 19, 1982.

Demise of once-bustling downtown due to rise of enclosed malls

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Spiess and Ackemann's, two Elgin shopping icons, are no more. Tune in to this echo from July 23, 2001 to hear how these stores rose and fell.

Letters home to Elgin told of constant barrage at the siege of Iwo Jima

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Elgin lost 6 servicemen at the battle for Iwo Jima in 1945. Historian Mike Alft recounts the tale in this echo from March 26, 1995.

Dollars swayed daylight savings vote

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Don't forget to change your clock on Sunday when Daylight Savings Time ends. If you are tired of the hassle, you really should have voted "No" in the referendum on the topic. Learn more in this echo from October 25, 1992.

Cannery was Elgin's second biggest employer

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

You have heard about Elgin's largest employer, the watch factory, but who was #2? The Elgin Packing Company was! Let's hear it for the west side in this echo from December 20, 1982.

Under the big top, where bigger was better

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Circuses have often entertained Elgin. Learn more about some of the visiting acts in this echo from August 30, 2004.

October sheds leaves and light on Elgin's past

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Join Mike Alft to hear the news from October 1881, 1931, 1956 and 1971. This echo direct from October 5, 1981.

Century-old police statistics spotlight Elgin changes

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The Elgin Police Department's annual report in 1896 gives interesting info on staffing, crime rates and department focus. Join Mike Alft in this echo from September 8, 1996 to hear the details.

Elgin street sweepers

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Elgin has an unlikely ambassador that brings our name into cities, towns and villages all around the world...the Elgin Street Sweeper. Where is the farthest flung place you have seen an Elgin Street Sweeper at work? Our echo from October 17, 1999 tells us about this hometown product.

Highland Ave mansion was home to family prominent in community affairs

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The home at 620 Highland Ave dates to 1891, learn more about its original residents in this echo from March 25, 1984.

What was new in the 1970s?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In with branch banks! Out with burn barrels! These and many more "new" developments came to Elgin in the 1970s. This echo from October 24, 1999 gives the highlights.

Before the Centre

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Although beautiful, the Centre of Elgin building is surely not original to the Elgin riverfront. So, what was there before the Centre? Tune in to this echo from November 22, 2002 to find out.

Elgin's water woes

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Where does Elgin get its municipal water supply? The answer has varied throughout our history. Tune in to this echo from May 17, 2009 to get the details.

Elgin's marrying parson scandalized his flock- as well as his four wives

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Are you going to the Elgin History Museum's Bluff City Cemetery Walk this weekend? If so, maybe you will want to visit James Darnell (1888-1939) while you are there. Perhaps he would appreciate the visit; I'm guessing none of his four wives keeps in touch.

Think you're confused about Elgin streets today?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In the good old days, there was no Google Maps or GPS. There was also no guarantee that the city wouldn't change the name of the street without telling you. Drive on thru to May 19, 2003 for a lesson on street names.

William Wing's gift to Elgin was a playground for all

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Elgin's Wing Park is almost 125 years old. This west side gem has an interesting history, as told in this echo from August 29, 1999.

The old Grove Theater saw several renovations

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The Grove Theater began as a silent movie palace in 1920. It still stands today. Grab some popcorn and listen to this echo from October 8, 1995 to hear the whole plot.

Sick cows once roamed Kane County

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Elgin's dairy history does have some bad chapters. This echo from February 18, 2001 details 2 outbreaks of bovine disease from our past.

Skating rinks rolled into Elgin, South Elgin

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Elgin's experience with roller rinks may go back further than you think. This echo from November 26, 2000 is wheely informative.

Elgin crossed the line as a two-county city

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Tune in to this echo from April 29, 1984 to learn when Elgin crossed the line...the Cook/Kane county line, that is.

Chewing gum industry stuck for 15 years

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

We found this interesting bit of Elgin history stuck to the underside of an old desk at the high school. Still fresh, even though it echoes from August 11, 1985.

Few holidays for laborers who toiled over 100 years ago

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

With Labor Day approaching, it's a perfect time to look back on working conditions of the past. Clock in to this echo from August 31, 1997 to learn about life as an employee of the Elgin National Watch Company.

"Century Runs" were popular in the 1900s

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Looking for fun in the 1900s? Why not consider a bicycle, car or trolley ride of 100 miles as described in this echo from November 16, 1997?

The Elgin road races, biggest story of the decade 1910-1919

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Did you hear about that driver going 70 mph out past Larkin?! Well, that must have been old Smiling Ralph Mulford in his Lozier. I guess it's time for the annual Elgin Road Races. Let's hear all about it in this echo from April 27, 1999.

Buffalo Bill captivated Elgin's small boys in 1896

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:20:00 -0500

Tune in to this echo from March 13, 1983 to relive the excitement of Buffalo Bill Cody's 1896 visit to Elgin.

Folks staked their claim for Elgin's "pearl rush"

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:48:26 -0500

Did you know Elgin had its own version of a "Gold Rush"? Well, sort of. Tune in to this echo from June 28, 1982 to hear the details, but be careful you don't catch "pearl fever".

Famous celebrities often visited Elgin

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Who is the most famous person to ever visit Elgin? Tune into this echo from September 30, 1984 to hear a long list of names to choose from.

Westide block truly historic but you wouldn't know it now

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A west side block was once the home to the largest manufacturer of casket trimmings and hardware in the United States. Learn about this historic west side block in an echo from October 26, 1981.

The debate that never was

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Stephen A. Douglas, candidate for Senate, passed through Elgin in 1858 after a debate in Freeport, IL against Abraham Lincoln. If Douglas came through Elgin during his series of debates with Lincoln, does that mean Lincoln also came through Elgin? Let Abraham Lincoln SuperFan Mike Alft answer that question for you in this echo from February 12, 1984.

"Madman Muntz", Elgin 's famous used car salesman

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Earl Muntz was always one step ahead of the competition. His colorful personality and advertising methods made him "the master used car salesman of all time", according the Newsweek magazine. Learn all about Madman Muntz in this echo from May 11, 1997.

Progress comes to Elgin

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

When did Elgin see its first revolving door? When was the first television set purchased in Elgin? Tune into this echo from October 20, 1996 to find out.

The Elgin Academy Civil War Monument

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The Elgin Academy Civil War monument was erected in 1909 and still stands outside the Elgin History Museum. Learn its history, and some of the names it shows, in this echo from December 24, 2000.

Elgin was often on celebrities' way

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Several famous people have passed through Elgin on their way other places. Hear about a few, including 2 famous athletes, in this echo from July 24, 1988.

Elgin's earliest "calaboose" was no luxury hotel

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Learn about Elgin's first city jail in this echo from September 11, 1996.

James T. Gifford, Elgin's Founder

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

This echo from May 5, 1985 gives a biography of James T. Gifford, Elgin's founder.

Fringe benefits for watch factory workers comparable to the workplaces of today

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Working at the Elgin National Watch Company factory was a good job to have. Listen to this echo from December 24, 2001 to hear some of the fringe benefits employees enjoyed.