An inviting new space! full of regional artist’s artwork and antiques for sale! Victorian thru Midcentury, European, Asian, and Primitive American can be found side by side. Find custom furniture, pottery, photographs, paintings, drawings, sculpture, weavings, eco-dyed silk and a compliment of artisan made items, all for sale. Something for everyone!The cottage will open its doors June 6th, Sat-Sundays, Noon-4pm, thru October

Are you Resilient? A large scale sculpture has recently been installed in Elsah at Beltrees and Mill Late last fall, a new sculpture was built in stone and steel at the 4-way stop in Elsah. An artist talk takes place May 7, 2026, at 7pm, in Farley’s Music Hall. Come hear and see why the sculpture came to be, was financed, and was built to celebrate the resilience of this Elsah river community! Sculptor and resident, Danne Rhaesa, provides an in-depth look at the process of making public sculpture.

For local government matters, contact Village Clerk Barb Ostrowski at 618-374-1568 or elsah.clerk2@gmail.com, or Mayor Mike Pitchford at 618-616-4948 or elsah.mayor@gmail.com. The Zoning Board meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm, chaired by Mark Young. Trustee meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. Meetings are public, and agendas are posted at the Post Office 48 hours before.

December 7th, Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Take a step back in time this holiday season while strolling the historic streets of Elsah, Illinois. Visit what’s been called “the town that time forgot,” during Elsah’s annual Home for the Holidays House Tour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, December 7. Many historic buildings will be open for the event, including private homes, the two room school house, Farley Music Hall, the Elsah Museum, the bed and breakfast inns, churches and villages shops. Tickets for the annual Holiday House Tour are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the tour. Ticket prices include a tour booklet with a photo and description of each building, musical performances, and a self-guided walk thru the historic village filled with sounds of the season from local caroling groups. A limited number of box lunches will be available at Farley Music Hall. “Since the 1970’s, the Village of Elsah has offered house tours for visitors who can’t wait to get a look inside some of its beautiful historic homes and buildings,” said Blair Smith, one of the organizers of the event. Buy Tickets Proceeds from the tour benefit the Historic Elsah Foundation, a not-for-profit  organization, dedicated to historic preservation and education in the Village of Elsah.

The Elsah Museum is showcasing contemporary works from five local artists, including sculptor Danne Rhaesa, whose pieces feature rammed earth, steel, and found objects. The exhibit runs until October, with museum hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4pm.

On August 24, Connie and Gary Davis, owners of the Green Tree Inn, successfully coordinated the Viking tourist arrivals with the Great River Routes and Tourism Bureau. Hosting 129 guests on three buses, the tour included a stop at Forest Park and the Chase Park Plaza Hotel.

The annual hummingbird banding event in Elsah, hosted by Sally Horbelt and Kathy Baird on July 13th, was a huge success! Sally reported 19 new bandings and 15 recaptures, while Kathy reported 49 captures and 41 new bandings. This family-friendly event is both engaging and fascinating.

Elsah and Principia College are now premium excursions for Viking River Cruises! On July 4th, the Great Rivers and Routes Tourist Bureau partnered with Viking to bring hundreds of tourists to Elsah. Visitors were charmed, comparing Elsah to villages in England and Ireland. Discover how Connie and Gary Davis, along with volunteers, made this event a success!

Danne Rhaesa, coordinator of the annual Elsah Photo Competition, has announced themes and details for the 2025 event. Awards total $1,250, with Best of Show winning $400 plus a night's stay at Green Tree Inn. First, Second, and Third Place receive $300, $200, and $100 respectively, plus a $50 Creative Youth Award.

A committee formed by the Elsah Trustees in June addressed speeding on Mill Street. On July 9, they decided to invest in speed humps. According to Wikicamel, speed humps are lower and longer than speed bumps, making them less aggressive and better for maintaining emergency vehicle access. This decision comes after numerous close calls and accidents. Kudos to the committee and Trustees for their swift action in improving village safety!

Connie and Gary represented Elsah on the Great Day St. Louis morning show with Paige Hulsey from KMOV-TV Channel 4. This was part of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau's Summer 2024 kick-off on May 24th at Post Commons in Alton. Connie highlighted Elsah as a must-visit location and described the hospitality at the award-winning Green Tree Inn.

Amy Cloud of Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsah announced extended store hours for the summer season until mid-August, possibly into fall.

Many Elsah residents know that actor Robert Duvall attended Principia College, graduating in 1953. Another notable resident was Terry Melcher, son of Doris Day, who attended Principia in the early 1960s. Melcher became a pioneering music producer in L.A., shaping the sound of 1960s surf music. He produced for The Beach Boys, The Rip Chords, Wayne Newton, and more. Melcher's innovative production techniques continue to influence music today.

Elsah and Southern Illinois are experiencing a surge of periodical cicadas, nicknamed Cicadalypse. In 2024, Broods XIII and XIX emerge, the first time since 1803. Cicadas don't harm humans but can damage new shrubs and trees. They thrive in wet areas like Grafton. Cicadas are edible, with an almond-like taste, and consumed worldwide. Their calls can reach over 90 decibels, as loud as a lawnmower. Enjoy the unique sound now and the quiet autumn to come.

Three Rivers Community Farm Stand opens for the season on Thursday, May 9. Regular hours are Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Visitors can enjoy a variety of organic produce, local eggs, meats, dairy products, honey, hummus, mushrooms, fresh and frozen pasta, breads, coffee, kombucha, and of course, ice cream!

Principia College celebrated the completion of its new solar farm on April 11, enhancing its commitment to sustainability. Situated on the north side of Beltrees Road near the Cross-Country course, the solar farm spans 8 acres of the college's 2600-acre campus. Designed to blend with its surroundings, the area will be maintained as native prairie.

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse captivated millions across North America. Elsah, with its roller-coaster terrain, lush forests, and bluff-top river views, offered a prime spot for this celestial spectacle. Dubbed the eclipse crossroads by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, Southern Illinois was at the heart of the eclipse's path in both 2017 and 2024.

The Village of Elsah Museum opened on April 6, showcasing the annual photography exhibit. Local photographers received awards for their stunning work. Visit the museum on weekends from 1-4 pm, April through October, to see the winning entries.

Farley’s Music Hall was abuzz as it hosted the first Hosmer-Williams lecture of 2024, themed "Meeting Mike: Mammoth or Mastodon?" The lecture centered around a recently unearthed tusk at Principia campus, captivating a diverse crowd ranging from curious youngsters to seasoned scholars. The event drew a full house, underscoring the community's keen interest in prehistoric discoveries.

The village's efforts in creating a leaf mulch pile offer a sustainable solution for disposing of autumn leaves. This initiative supports the environment by providing an eco-friendly alternative to leaf burning, which can aggravate respiratory issues and disrupt the quality of life in our community. Residents can contribute to the mulch pile located at the intersection of Beltrees and Mill Street. Your participation helps maintain our air quality and supports those with health sensitivities. Thank you for choosing to recycle your leaves responsibly!

The Elsah Museum's 2024 Photo Exhibit Reception on April 6th was a hit, drawing over forty visitors to admire historical and natural photography under sunny skies. Esteemed juror Carmen Troesser and a colleague praised the high quality and difficulty in selecting winners. The exhibit, featuring themes of Native Species and Historic Abstractions, showcased diverse works, including Carolyn Schlueter's Best of Show. The exhibit runs until June, with plans for new themes and rules in 2025. Thanks to the community and museum staff for their support.

Elsah offers a stunning display of all four seasons, with Spring highlighting its natural beauty. Nestled by the Mississippi River bluffs, it's the perfect place for a leisurely walk among blooming flora and unique architecture. Meet our friendly residents and enjoy the tranquil pace. An unforgettable visit awaits. We hope to see you soon!

Three Rivers Community Farm invites you to its annual plant sale on April 20-21 and 27-28, from 9 am to 4 pm. Located at 22867 Chautauqua, north of the village, the sale features organically grown annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetable starts, priced between $3.55 and $5.75. Organic potting soil, compost, and fertilizers are also available. Enjoy a beautiful drive to this spring event. For more details, visit www.threeriverscommunityfarm.com.

After a winter break, the museum at 27 La Salle St. reopens April 6, 1-4 pm. Visit Saturdays or Sundays through October to explore relics from the mid-19th century, a time when local rivers were vital transport routes. Support the museum's preservation by donating to HEF, PO Box 117, Elsah, IL 62028, or online at www.historicelsah.org. Last year's donations restored the village's original bell, now proudly displayed.

The Elsah Village Museum at 26 Lasalle Street unveils a photography exhibit on April 6, 3-4pm, celebrating local talent in Native Species and Historical Abstraction. The public is invited to the opening and awards event. The exhibit runs until June 30. Next contest entries are due by January 2025. For more, email Danne.Rhaesa@yahoo.com or visit www.historicelsah.org.

Principia College is enhancing its sustainability efforts with a new solar farm on Beltrees Road, next to the Cross-Country course. Covering 8 acres of its 2600-acre campus, the solar farm will meet 28% of the college's energy needs and cut carbon emissions by 4.5 million pounds a year. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for April 11, 4:30-5 pm at the site. Attendees should park at the Crafton Athletic Center lot.

On April 11, the book club will explore "This Other Eden" by Paul Harding. The next meeting on May 9 will feature "Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom" by Ilyon Woo. For more details, email cecilyellenlee@gmail.com.

Elsah cherishes its heritage, highlighted by the Historic Elsah Foundation's Hosmer-Williams Lecture Series, free to the public. Organized by Tim Tomlinson, the 2024 series at Farley Music Hall includes talks on "Chautauqua: An American Icon" (April 18), "The Semples of Elsah" (September 19), and "Completing the Great River Road" (October 17). Thanks to Tim Tomlinson and HEF President Donna DeWeese for their efforts in making history accessible to all.

Join the Treehouse Wildlife Center's annual spring baby shower on April 22, 10am-4pm, to celebrate native wildlife babies. Enjoy Professor Longhair’s magic, free games, crafts, and meet the Center's animal ambassadors. Artisan vendors offer a festive atmosphere. This free, family-friendly event encourages donations for a chance to win prizes. Visit www.treehousewildlifecenter.com for donation details.

The village's skilled maintenance team has installed new guardrails and handrails on the two one-way bridges on Mill St. These enhancements aim to support pedestrians and reduce damage from vehicle incidents. Following two large trucks hitting the bridge at 67 Mill St. in recent years, reflective signs have been added to improve safety.

Principia College invites the public to April events: Judy Pfaff lecture (2nd), AI conference (4th-5th), and Dance Prod 2024 (11th-13th) at Wanamaker and McVay Center. Earth Day events with piano recitals by Evan Minsk (13th, 20th) on Watson Green and Davis Music Hall. Choir, orchestra, jazz concert (19th), and guest tenor Edgar Miguel Abreu (29th) at McVay Center and Davis Music Hall. For sports and membership details, visit www.principia.athletics.com.

Contact Village Clerk Barb Ostrowski (618-374-1568) or Mayor Mike Pitchford (618-616-4948) for Elsah government matters. Zoning Board and Trustees meet monthly, open to public. Trustees include Connie Davis and others. Agendas are posted outside the Post Office. Visit Civic Center at 51 Mill Street; Darr Hall available for rentals.

Associate Professor Shannon Carney, Women’s Tennis Coach at Principia College, recently won the 2023 U.S. Tennis Association’s National Senior Women’s 65 Singles and Doubles Championships.

The Elsah Home for the Holidays House Tour on December 2, 1-5 p.m., features eight private homes and public buildings, with local pianists, carolers, a brass quartet, and holiday treats, available at www.historicelsah.org/tickets. Residents are reminded to display traditional Elsah-style holiday decorations by December 2.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch featured an article on November 13 about the historic 1857 "Parsonage" in Elsah, cared for by Steve and Cindi Hall, complete with a digital version showcasing interior photos and a video of the couple discussing their home and community.

This year's joint Christmas celebration by the local churches, featuring carols, music, and Sunday School participation, starts at the Christian Science church at 2:30 pm, moves to the Methodist church, and concludes with refreshments at Farley’s, organized by Pastor Alan and Mary Bevans.

The Village of Elsah Museum invites local photographers to contribute to a visual record of village life, focusing on "Historical Abstractions" and "Native Species," with details available at EscapetoElsah.com.

The book group will discuss "No Ordinary Assignment" by Jane Ferguson on January 11, exploring her experiences as a journalist in challenging environments.