16 Depot Sq 

Mr. A. S. Christian, a descendant of Mary Christian, the original pioneer in this area, bought the lot in 1897 for $300 and built the present structure. Christian’s Saloon was one of seven saloons in Downtown Elgin at a time when Elgin was known as “wild” with the best (or worst) Western Traditions. Elgin’s reputation was perhaps best illustrated by the manner in which the train conductor announced the stop as “Hell-gin, half way to Hades, next stop!”. There was a large sign painted on the side of the building which read, “A. Christian Saloon” to attract customers from the eight daily passenger trains. Old timers tell the story of a Bible salesman who got off the train, saw the sign and headed straight for the saloon. He rushed in anxious,  with intent to congratulate the proprietor on such a fine establishment. He very hastily retreated when he figured out the nature of the business.