Shop. Stay. Explore. January 2025
Elsah
As the year begins, The Elsah Newsletter has a new Writer and Editor. Hello All, my name is Mary Odhiambo. I have lived here in the village for over 17 years. I, like many of you including my Dad, have enjoyed the Elsah Newsletter for years. My Dad was thrilled when I told him I would be its new writer. So, hi Dad. Thank you all for your love and interest in the Historic Village of Elsah. Please share the word of this wonderful place with others. I hope I can do this little community justice while I am the newsletter’s writer/editor.
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” to Elsah.Clerk@gmail.com. I will do my best to take all requests and suggestions. Thank you.
The Elsah Photography Contest submission deadline is Saturday January 11th. You can submit 3 photos for every $15 submission fee, with no limit to the number of photos you can submit. With two themes this year, we hope you feel you’re able to find something within your pictures. For more details about the contest themes and other important info click here https://historicelsah.org/photocomp/. The selected photos will be on display in the Elsah Museum beginning in April.
December in the Village
Sadly, after 10 years of business, The Elsah General Store closed its doors on Sunday, December 29th. We want to thank Blair and Dory for their dedication over the years. An attached newsletter written by the Smiths is provided for further explanation. Also, we will be doing a feature article in the coming months, stay tuned.
Friends,
I wish we had opened Elsah General Store twenty years ago. I retired in 2013. Dory and I opened the store a year later in 2014, really just to see what might happen if we restarted an old-fashion general store inside a 140 year-old storefront with its original counter tops, floors, charm and beauty. Elsah General Store exceeded our expectations, and for the last ten years this has been one of the great joys of our lives.
On the surface it looks easy, but a lot goes on behind the scenes in a little business like this. Having the general store open five days every week has meant seven day work weeks, which have kept us busy, maybe too busy. While we have loved every minute, another great joy in our lives is our family - our son and daughter, their spouses and four grand children. They give us plenty to do and we’re trying not to miss this time in their lives.
We feel like we have given our very best to the Village of Elsah for the last ten years, but on Sunday, December 29, 2024 we will hang up our aprons. We are so grateful to you, and for the opportunity to serve, not just Elsah, but a much larger community from a wide radius that has enjoyed visiting the Village and the store regularly. We appreciate everyone’s patronage and love, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Blair and Dory
Elsah Home for the Holidays is a tradition that began in the 1970’s. Beloved by new and old friends to the village. We saw hundreds of people enjoying this year’s event. Thanks to all the homeowners and hosts for the privilege to be welcomed into your homes this year. Also, thank you to all those volunteers and business owners who supported the tour and the village in some capacity.
The Elsah churches co-hosted its annual Christmas Hymn Sing. The event began in The Methodist Church before moving to The First Church Christ, Scientists. The event ended with a cookie reception at Farley’s Music Hall, hosted by the Historic Elsah Foundation.
The Methodist Church building celebrated its 150-year Anniversary! There was a special service, followed by a reception at Farley’s Music Hall; both events were open to the public. In the coming months, we will take a closer look at the Church’s past and present to give the church its deserved moment.
Eagle Season is here
EAGLES! Keep an eye out for bald eagles this month and next. Wintering eagles leave their nests up north for this area from about mid-December through mid-February. Surprisingly, they are not flying south for warmer weather- in fact they hate the heat. They come here for the open waters of the rivers. This area is the confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers. With all the barge traffic, there is guaranteed access to fish and waterfowl that frequent this area as the ice gets broken up by the river traffic. There are several opportunities to view eagles and learn about eagles in this area. You can take a tour, attend the annual Eagle Fest, and there are self-guided eagle watching opportunities as well. Check online at www.riversandroutes.com or contact the Alton Visitor Center for more information.
** If you are fortunate to see and capture a clear picture of a wintering bald eagle in this area, please feel free to share via email by Monday, Feb 17th , addressed to “Mary” to Elsah.Clerk@gmail.com. I will do my best to include your picture in the March Newsletter. Thank you.
Homes for Sale in Elsah Village
There are three homes for sale currently in the village. We hope that if you are interested and able, you will consider one of these properties.
56 Mill Street: A historical charmer built in 1858. This 5-bedroom and3-bath home was once a boarding house for Principia College employees for a brief time, but currently is set up as a single-family home. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/56-Mill-St-Elsah-IL-62028/91361698_zpid/?imxlb=g,0
18 Palm Street: This home is in the “saltbox” style architecture, built in 1988, with some impressive and beautiful updates. It has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and is set on a quiet street surrounded by woods.https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/18-Palm-St-Elsah-IL-62028/125354437_zpid/
74 Mill Street: Circa 1859 stone cottage. The stone portion was built by William F. Greene a chair maker & carpenter. These structures are rare to find standing strong & in as beautiful condition as this historic cottage. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/74-Mill-St-Elsah-IL-62028/91361712_zpid/
Keep your eyes out here for future listings. We will highlight any homes/businesses for sale within the village. Hopefully one of our lucky readers may be one of our future neighbors! The village is a great place to live.
New Residents
We have had some new residents to the village in the past few months. We aim to have each homeowner(s) and their respective home featured in the months to come. We want to welcome those residents now and we look forward to getting to know them.
Announcements
The Elsah Book Club has chosen January’s book selection, and it will be: The Year of Living in Danishly By Helen Russell. The club meeting will be held on Monday January 20th at 7:30pm. For more information, contact cecilyellenlee@gmail.com.
Elsah Village Monthly Meetings at 51 Mill Street
2025-2026 Budget Hearing will be held Jan 21st in the Civic Center
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.
Principia College News
BIG NEWS: Last month it was determined that the second set of “mammoth bones” found on The Principia College campus in 2022, are Mastodon bones! There has been much excitement with this find.
Monday the 27th - Spring Semester at Principia College begins.
Friday the 31st - January graduation.
Astronomy
In January and February six planets will form a giant arc in the evening sky. Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune and Saturn. At the end of February, Mercury will replace Saturn in the lineup. Visible with the naked eye and visible after sunset.
On Jan 13th a comet might be visible to the naked eye and during the daytime.
On Jan 16th the Earth is directly alongside Mars, which is as close as the planets come. Mars will be at its brightest and with a telescope it will be at its largest.