May 2025 Escape to Elsah Newsletter:  

Photography Exhibit

2025 Historic Elsah Foundation Photo Exhibit opening ceremony had a nice gathering of artists, artists guests and community members supporting the event. Thank you again, to our judge this year, Carmen Troesser. Congratulations to those who came away with awards and special recognition. A HUGE thank you to all who submitted photos, too.  We hope to see you all and others next year.  

Photography Credit: Dan Kistler (Fall Bundle)

Prize Winners- 2025:  

During the ceremony the next two themes for 2026’s exhibit were announced. They are “It’s the Little Things” and “Portraits- People, Pets or Porches”. There will be more formal information going out to the public at a later date.   This year’s exhibit will be showing through the end of June to enjoy if you missed the opening.     

State Street on LaSalle

From State Street on LaSalle owners Glenn (Beau) & Terri Beaubien:   

We’re excited to announce the grand opening of State Street on LaSalle—right here in the village! The response so far has been incredible—better than we could’ve imagined. The community’s enthusiasm and the kind reviews have truly meant the world to us. 

To ensure you get a table, we highly recommend making reservations for dinner, especially on weekends—but to be safe, it’s a good idea for any evening. If you’re planning to visit with a group of 5 or 6, please note that we only have one table that can accommodate larger parties—so be sure to reserve in advance!  You can reach us at 618-462-8800 to book your spot. 

Our hours are: 

We also feature a curated selection of mocktails and cocktails to complement your meal. 

We can’t wait to welcome you in and become a proud part of this amazing community!  

Watercolor Artwork

Watercolor Paintings of Elsah and Grafton are available for purchase at the Green Tree Inn. The watercolors were completed by a guest of over several years of visiting Elsah and Grafton. Connie is happy to share these for purchase or viewing. For more details email, call or stop in to speak with Connie. (618-374-2821, elsah.innkeeper@yahoo.com )   

Max & Rion

Say “Hello!” to New Elsah Residents Maxwell and Orion who recently purchased the home at 74 Mill St. They have been working hard to make this new home perfect for themselves. They love the feel of the village and while Maxwell has lived in a city setting his whole life, he longed to be closer to nature. His fiancé, Orion, grew up in Northern New York and felt that Elsah was reminiscent of the architecture in the towns back home. He loves that and longed to return to that hometown cozy feeling he knows so well. They are moving from St. Louis County and Maxwell is already appreciating the night sky. Furthermore, Maxwell wanted to add a thank you to everyone who has stopped by to introduce themselves. “I'm still learning a lot, as this is our first home, so I appreciate the hospitality! I hope to make lots of new friends out here!”  Welcome Orion and Maxwell.  

Ameren Commercial

Editor’s Note: As I see it.   A Commercial was shot in the village for Ameren (gas and electric services). The event happened at 47 Mill Street, across from the Post office. The roadway was bustling especially because it happened on voting day.  There were cameras, lighting rigs, actors, trucks, tents with tables set up for employee breaks, even hanging wardrobe racks on the street and several assistants running around. By the time I thought of grabbing my camera, or should I say phone, the majority of the people had cleaned up and gone.  Hopefully we can see the commercial at some point.  If anyone catches wind of the commercial, please send the info my way and I will put it in a link in a future newsletter.  

For Elsah Residents: 

As you know, there are several options for internet services now in the Village of Elsah. 

Grafton Technologies is currently laying fiber optic cable in most of the Village. It is important to remember that connecting your house to fiber optic is free while the cable is initially installed. Doing it later will be much more expensive. So even if you don't plan to use Grafton Technologies at this time, it is a good idea to go ahead and sign up for the connection now. You can learn more at the Meet and Greet on May 3rd.  Grafton Technologies website has information about services offered and their prices.  https://www.gtec.com/ or you can call them at (618) 786-4000. 

*Check times for specific Committees on the Civic Center bulletin board up to 48 hours prior to the meeting or call the Clerk for more information.  

 Civic Center: (618) 374-1568 / elsah.clerk@gmail.com  

*All Monthly Meetings are open to Elsah Residents and may be canceled due to a lack of business to discuss. They are held in the Elsah Civic Center at 51 Mill Street.  

Reminder to all Readers: 

Email address change: If you have any ideas for featured stories or you would like more information about being a guest writer, please send an email addressed to “Mary” at escapetoelsah.news@gmail.com. The editor will do her best to take all requests and suggestions.  

*If you have any past unanswered emails, please forward them to escapetoelsah.news@gmail.com.  Our apologies for any delay and lack in response.   

Announcements: 

*If you are interested in more events happening in the area, we recommend the Great Rivers and Routes website or mobile app for a complete listing.  

For more information on athletic schedules and other news, please visit www.principiaathletics.com   

For Sale within the village!  Below are the links to view two homes currently for sale in the village.  

For more information visit:  56 Mill St, Elsah, IL 62028 | MLS #24067471 | Zillow  

For more information visit: 18 Palm St, Elsah, IL 62028 | MLS #24047081 | Zillow 

Elsah Real Estate For Rent

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