Elgin Riverside Club
Under Construction
Founded in 1886, the Elgin Riverside Club is the second oldest continually existing social club in the city. Only the Elgin Turnverein, commonly known as the Elgin Turners, founded in 1883 is older.
Charter members of the Elgin Riverside Club include John King, Henry King, John Kohn, Frank Miller, Bert Rineheimer, Charles Rineheimer, Allen Rowe, and Michael Ultes. Miller served as the club’s first president.
The Elgin Riverside Club first began meeting at 22 North Grove Avenue - a street then known as River Street. It was this location near the Fox River that gave the organization is name.
From its early times, the Elgin Riverside Club has been a place of activity. This included participation in baseball, bicycle events, and minstrel shows. In its early years, the club also had a “second edition” or summer home, located on a farm near Huntley. Situated on the property of club member, Bernard Giertz, the facility was a remodeled school house outfitted to include such amenities as a kitchen and lounging rooms.
Throughout its existence the club has moved several times. From its first location on North Grove, it relocated to 101-105 Division Street. From here it moved around the corner to 106 Douglas Avenue. In 1935, it returned to its previous home on Division Street, this time purchasing the building.
In the 1960’s, the City of Elgin embarked on a massive urban renewal project that included purchasing over 50 parcels of land for development of the Civic Center area we know today. This undertaking directly affected the Elgin Riverside Club and it was forced to move again, this time to its current location on Lincoln Avenue.
Originally a residence, the current three acre site was purchased in 1965 and remodeled into the facility we know it as today. This new club also served as milestone in the club’s history for it was here, during its centennial year in 1986, that it lifted its restriction prohibiting of women in the building.
Today, the Elgin Riverside Club has taken on more of a family focus than the men’s club it once was. But, long-standing traditions such as golf outings, special events and the annual “man of the year” award still abound.
Annual events such as Rib Nite, St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef, Beer Can Chicken, Margaritaville, Meat Raffles, Wine tastings and Holiday Party are enjoyed by all members, family and friends. The Elgin Riverside Club supports local charities such as area food pantries, Elgin Sports Hall of Fame and IL Boy’s & Girl’s State to name a few.