Hey Elmhurst friend!
I hope you’ve had the best start to your New Year!
I don’t know about you, but I have about a million (not really a million, but close) goals that I want to hit this year.
I’m starting slow, though, to make sure I can actually achieve them without burning myself out (easier said than done, I’m afraid).
While a lot are for my video marketing business, most are for Hey Elmhurst! and I CAN’T WAIT to share them with you once we get them rolling!
For now, though, let’s dive in 🙂
WHEN ELMHURST WAS A WELLNESS RETREAT
Picture this: It’s 1920 and Elmhurst isn’t just the charming suburb we know and love. It’s a world-renowned destination for “wellness seekers.”
Sounds crazy, but this actually happened.
The Lindlahr Sanitarium operated from 1914 to 1928 on eight acres along St. Charles Road between Cottage Hill and Prospect.
Dr. Henry Lindlahr created what he called a “Nature Cure” center where patients came for treatments that would seem pretty familiar today: vegetarian diets, exercise programs, hydrotherapy, sunbathing and fresh air.
The sprawling, wooded property featured tennis courts, basketball, lawn croquet, volleyball and exercise groups. There was an administration building, treatment rooms, bungalows and even a tent city in summer with screened tents and electric lights. Over 14 years, an estimated 80,000 patients passed through.
The most famous patient was a guy named Eugene V. Debs, who (in case you haven’t brushed up on your history) was a five-time presidential candidate and labor organizer. While recovering at the sanitarium in the early 1920s, Debs became friends with Carl Sandburg (who lived just blocks away), Sinclair Lewis and Clarence Darrow.
Unfortunately, Debs actually died at the sanitarium in 1926.
And Dr. Lindlahr passed two years earlier in 1924, causing the facility to close in 1928.
Fast foward to today, where a series of beautiful Tudor homes built by renowned architect Fred LaFave sit. They were constructed on the former sanitarium grounds.
(Fun fact: the LaFave family actually lived in part of the old sanitarium building while they tore down the rest to make room for the new homes!)
So, at one point, Elmhurst was a wellness retreat that drew international attention, hosted political icons, and ultimately became one of Elmhurst’s most distinctive neighborhoods.
Not bad for a few acres between Cottage Hill and Prospect.
WHERE TO GO THIS WEEK
If you walked past 116 N. York recently and panicked because Victory Meat and Seafood was gone, take a breath. They didn’t close.
They just moved down the street to 130 N. York!
They have the same chef-inspired menu with prime meats, seasonal fish, jumbo-size seafood and Italian specialties. Same Nantucket casual meets city chic vibe. Same curbside pickup, delivery, catering and private events.
Your favorite spot is still very much a part of downtown Elmhurst. Just a few doors down.
AROUND TOWN
📍 Wagner Center: Demo Complete, Construction Underway
The old Wagner Center building is officially gone! Construction has started on the brand new Wagner Community Center, which will be four times the size of the original 1950s school building.
Why the complete rebuild? In 2022 alone, over 5,600 people were on waitlists for programs. The new facility will feature a free indoor walking track, expanded dance and gymnastics areas, flexible program spaces, an indoor play area, and so much more! Their expected opening is Fall 2027.
Learn more about the project here.
📍 Elmhurst Art Museum Scholarships Available
Want to take an art class, but cost is holding you back? The Elmhurst Art Museum offers scholarships for children, adults and seniors. Just fill out a simple, online form and staff will let you know if you’re approved. Funding and spots are limited, so don’t wait if you’re interested!
Apply for a scholarship here!
📍 Trivia Nights All Week Long
Too cold to be outside? Elmhurst has trivia nights all across town during the week. Here’s where to go when!
Mondays: Bottle Theory at 7pm.
Tuesdays: Tannins at 7 PM (prizes), Pints Team Trivia at 7 PM, and 93 Octane every other Tuesday at 6:30 PM.
Wednesdays: Beer on the Wall at 7 PM (first come, first serve tables), Golden Boy Barbecue at 7PM, and Fitz’s Pub at 7 PM with Challenge Entertainment.
Whether you’re a pop culture guru or history buff, there’s a spot for you!
SUPPORT HEY ELMHURST!
Hey Elmhurst! is 100% free, independently owned, and run by just two people who are maybe a little too obsessed with this town: me and Jeff (boyfriend/videographer/photographer/partner-in-crime!).
When you support us, you’re directly funding:
- More in-depth coverage of local businesses, events, and hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else,
- Faster turnaround on breaking community news and updates,
- Higher quality video production to showcase Elmhurst beautifully,
- And time to dig deeper into the stories that matter to YOU (i.e. the ones that help you discover, connect, and feel more at home here).
Unlike algorithm-driven news sites or corporate media, every dollar goes straight into creating content that serves our neighbors first, made by people who actually live here and care about this place.
Your support = more stories, stronger community, and keeping Elmhurst connected.
We appreciate any and all contributions!
HAPPENINGS/EVENTS THIS WEEK
Tuesday, January 13th
- Trivia – 93 Octane at 6:30 PM, Tannins at 7 PM, and Pints Team Trivia at 7 PM.
Wednesday, January 14th
- Trivia – Beer on the Wall at 7 PM (first come, first serve tables), Golden Boy Barbecue at 7PM, and Fitz’s Pub at 7 PM with Challenge Entertainment.
Thursday, January 15th
- 93 Octane Brewery – Live music starts at 7 PM featuring Kevin Campbell. Great beer, food and tunes to kick off your Thursday night. Learn more here.
Friday, January 16th
- Tannins Wine Bar – “Jukebox Heroes” is playing from 8-10pm. They’re a popular Chicago-area cover band and play a wide range of classic rock, pop, and country hits from the ’50s onward, often with acoustic instruments and harmonies! Learn more here.
Tuesday, January 20th
- Trivia – Tannins at 7 PM (prizes), Pints Team Trivia at 7 PM, and 93 Octane every other Tuesday at 6:30 PM.
Wednesday, January 21st
- Trivia – Beer on the Wall at 7 PM (first come, first serve tables), Golden Boy Barbecue at 7PM, and Fitz’s Pub at 7 PM with Challenge Entertainment.
Thursday, January 22nd
- Primos Locos – Enjoy a Tequila Dinner at Primos Locos. Featuring a three course meal, this is sure to be a hit! Dinner is from 7PM – 9PM. Learn more here.
- 93 Octane Brewery – Live music from 7-10 PM featuring Semple. Great beer, food and music. Only thing missing is you! Learn more here.
WANT YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED IN THE HEY ELMHURST! NEWSLETTER?
Hundreds of local residents read this bi-weekly newsletter and we love to highlight the best local businesses in Elmhurst!
So, if you’re a business owner who wants to connect with an engaged Elmhurst audience, apply to be featured here 🙂
That’s all for now!
🖤 Amara
