Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Elgin Milk Condensing Company

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 21, 2012

1. Elgin Milk Condensing Company Marker

Inscription. Gail Borden, pioneer in the food preservative industry, established a milk condensing plant on this site in 1865. His discovery incorporated a process by which water was evaporated from milk, and sugar added as a preservative. This process, patented in 1856, increased the availability and variety in dairy products, allowing the populace a sanitary and nourishing alternative to fresh milk. The stringent procedures he employed inspired high standards, revolutionizing the dairy industry. By 1881, this company was the largest of its kind and a major factor in determining Elgin's reputation as a dairy center. Production ceased in 1918 due to the rising cost of milk. Elgin's Gail Borden Library, located nearby, is named in his honor.

Erected 1992 by The Elgin Heritage Commission and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 42° 2.436′ N, 88° 17.203′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of North Grove Avenue and Symphony Way, on the left when traveling south on North Grove Avenue. Marker is

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on the northeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elgin IL 60120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James T. and Hezekiah Gifford (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Communication Station (about 400 feet away); "The Ultimate Sacrifice" (about 500 feet away); Mother Skye (about 600 feet away); Gail Borden Library (about 700 feet away); The Pioneer Memorial Statue (about 700 feet away); W.R. Meadows, Inc. (about 700 feet away); Elgin Wind Power and Pump Company (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 21, 2012

2. Elgin Milk Condensing Company Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,437 times since then and 93 times this year. Last updated on March 6, 2013, by Tim Rathjen of Elgin, Illinois. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.