March 2026 Escape to Elsah Newsletter:  

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The 2026 Historic Elsah Photo Competition and Exhibit has been juried! 

This announcement congratulates the photographers who will be represented in the exhibit that begins April 04, 2026, during our opening reception.  At that time, awards will be announced and delectable refreshments will be served by the Museum Committee, from 3-4pm. All are invited! 

The following talented photographer participants will be represented at the Village Museum, 26 LaSalle Street, thru June 28, 2026.  The museum is open on weekends, 1-4pm, all are welcome! 

J. Baker            C. Callan 

D. Isbell            D. Kistler 

l. Lloyd             M. Odhiambo 

S. Odhiambo    M. Matney 

M. McKay         R. Renner 

C. Samoore      C. Schlueter 

J. Vaughn          S. Vogel 

The two themes that these creative individuals addressed were: 

"Portraits: People, Pets and Porches," as well as "It's the Little Things" 

A professional photographer from Boston, MA, who lived in Elsah during the 1970's, juried the show.  Melanie Stetson Freeman loved the work that was submitted!  Come enjoy the photo exhibit starting April 4th! 

"The active members of the Friends of Eliestoun are grateful to announce that they are ready to replace the elegant historic home's roof and downspouts. This is a critical step to preserve the entire historic structure that is planned to once again become a useful blessing for Principia community.   

Right now, about half the funds for this work have been collected. Already $230,000 are ready to apply to this project. The Friends are seeking the balance of the cost in the form of pledges, from anyone interested in helping to save this shingle style, 1880's structure, designed by Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow and owned by the daughter of James Semple, founder of Elsah.  The most recent bid two years ago, to replace the current roof with slate with the related water dispersion work was $410,000.  The Friends are currently accepting pledges.  Please go to this website http://www.friendsofeliestoun.org/ to learn more and to give to this purpose.  Your donations are tax deductible!  Thank you, Friends of Eliestoun members.

Fire broke out in Elsah on Friday, Feb 20^th on Mill Street. There were no injuries, but there was damage to two garages. Thank you to neighbors and village residents who came to the aid and offered help as the flames raged. The dry leaves and high winds had placed the area under a burn order. Thankfully, the QEM Fire department was able to stop the spread of the flames to the nearest home that stood within a few feet as well as the burning leaves in the yard from also spreading to the hillside. The cause of the fire is likely to have been a discarded lit cigarette and is being handled further by authorities. Thank you for the community’s prayers and continued love and support to those impacted in the days that followed. 

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. Events | Great Rivers & Routes

• Recurring: 3/1 thru 3/6^th (limited days, 8:30am-4pm) Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 

• Recurring: 3/6-3/15 (7:30pm) Four Old Broads play at Alton Little Theater 

• 17^th (Tue) St. Patrick’s Day 

• 21^st (Sat) 10am, Spring Wildflower Hike, The Nature Institute, Godfrey, $5 fee each 

• 29^th  Palm Sunday  

• April 5^th Easter Sunday 

• The Elsah Book Club has chosen March’s book selection, "Lincoln in Bardo” by George Saunders. The club meeting will meet on Monday, March 16^th at 7pm. For more information, contact cecilyellenlee@gmail.com.    

• Principia College Events open to the public: 

• 3^rd (Tue) Baseball 5pm, Softball 3 & 5pm 

• 6^th (Fri) Women’s Tennis 6pm 

• 7^th (Sat) Men’s Tennis 9am, Women’s Tennis 1pm 

• 10^th (Tue) Baseball 5pm  

• 14^th (Sat) Women’s Tennis noon, Men’s Tennis 3pm  

• 21^st (Sat) Baseball noon & 3pm  

• 24^th (Tue) Baseball 3pm & 6pm  

• 26^th (Thur) Softball 3pm & 5pm  

• 27^th (Fri) Baseball 6:30pm 

• 28^th (Sat) Women’s Tennis 11am, Baseball noon & 2:30pm 

• 31^st (Tue) Softball 3pm & 5pm, Women’s Tennis 5:15pm  

• The Principia College website has more information about events and news on campus. See the “calendar” tab and a “news” tab at the top left of the page. You can also access the Athletics tab for sports schedules. Go to: https://www.principiacollege.edu/   

For Sale within the village! The current homes or businesses listed in the Village.  

• Empty land/property: 0 Penn St.  This property is off of Mill St.  

For more information visit: 0 Penn St, Elsah, IL 62028 | For Sale ($65,000) | MLS# 25062811 | Redfin 

Reminder to all Readers: 

• If you have any questions or ideas for featured stories or you would like more information about being a guest writer, please send an email addressed to “Mary” to escapetoelsah.news@gmail.com.   

• Repeated reminders for Residents:  

•  Reserve your Spot! A Sign-up sheet for using the community fireplace behind the Civic Center is a calendar hanging in the hallway outside of the restrooms (which is unlocked 24/7).  

• We would appreciate feedback from residents about the speed humps.  

• We are still picking up yard waste if it is on the curb and contained in a tarp or other types of containers. This applies to leaves as well. 

• As we get further into the growing season compost from our leaves will be available. Randy can deliver it to you if you want a large scoop with the tractor. If you want to get your own with a bucket help yourself. 

• FYI- It is important to know any pertinent information open to residents is oftentimes posted on the village Post Office Bulletin Board.  This can include a variety of topics including meeting announcements/agendas/recaps, events- parties/talks/clean up, etc.  You may also place your own or view other information intended for the village and/or guests to the Post Office.  We try to include information in the Newsletter, but items may be missed or further details are not yet available. So, keep an eye out on the bulletin board when you pick up your mail and packages.  

• Meetings open to the Village Residents: 

• Second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm: The Elsah Board of Trustees meet 

• First Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm: The Zoning Board Committee meet 

*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.