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Elgin Watch Works factory, Elgin, IL, 1907

About this postcard

A bird's-eye halftone view of the sprawling Elgin Watch Works: long, multi-story brick factory blocks laid out in a grid, a tall smokestack trailing smoke, and a clock-like tower flying the American flag, with streets and open prairie beyond. The Elgin National Watch Company, founded in Elgin in 1864, grew into one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world, and this complex was its principal plant until production ended in the 1960s. The card was manufactured by Curt Teich & Co. of Chicago, whose numbered views of American towns and industries were widely sold in the early 20th century.

Postcard Details

Message · English, in pen

Dear John, Kind regards, H. J. Blackford 4/28/09

PostmarkedElgin, IL, April 29, 1907, 16:30
Stamp
Addressed to
Mrs John L Stattmiller

Indiana, PA

Postcard record

Postmarked, Elgin, IL
PublisherCurt Teich & Co.
Series711
ConditionGood
Place addressedMrs John L Stattmiller, Indiana, PA
Place depictedElgin, IL
PublisherCurt Teich & Co., Chicago, IL
Stamp1c Benjamin Franklin, green, issued 1902, perforated vertical sides only
Stamp1c Benjamin Franklin, green, perforated on all sides
NotesMessage handwritten in ink across the lower front; vertical crease and light edge/corner wear; white margin at bottom with printed caption and imprint. Postmark: ELGIN, ILL. APR. 29 4-30 PM 1907 — undivided back with printed "NOTHING BUT THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE", 1¢ green Franklin stamp, Curt Teich (CT Co) Chicago imprint; card is soiled, stained and creased with a torn lower-right corner.

Cite this card

Elgin Watch Works factory, Elgin, IL, 1907, postcard, c. 1907. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/elgin-watch-works-factory-elgin-il-1907. Accessed November 2, 2026.