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Article: Elgin makes diversity city's new watchword
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- April 2, 1989
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright (null) Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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For decades, you could set your watch by the always accurate
reputation of Elgin as an industrial town on the Fox River.
In fact, it was as one of the world's major watch-making
centers. During World War II, the Elgin National Watch Co. had 5,500
employees working on timing devices for armaments.
The factory's closing in 1966 meant the city's time in that role
had passed. Ten years ago, however, the city began to diversify its
industrial base and attract new businesses to its downtown area.
Once a retail area for residents, Elgin's business district now
houses commercial services such as offices and banks. A new shopping
center has opened on the site of the old watch company.
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