Elsah has upgraded to high-speed internet through a Connect Illinois Grant awarded to Grafton Technologies for fiber optic installation, at no cost to residents. Led by Susan Young and the Connect Elsah volunteer resident group! The project aims for completion by year’s end (2026), enhancing connectivity in Joywood, Elsah Hills, and part of Lockhaven

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.

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.

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!