Vintage baseball game brings old-school charm to Elmhurst

Elmhurst History Museum’s annual “Town vs. Gown” vintage baseball game pits the city of Elmhurst against Elmhurst University to take home the coveted Cottage Hill Cup.

The players, which included the city’s elected officials, staff, commissioners and volunteers, and Elmhurst University faculty, staff, trustees and alums, entertained baseball fans with an old-fashioned ball game played by the wildly different rules of 1858.

After a close game, Elmhurst University won the match 13-12 and took home the trophy. The City of Elmhurst held the trophy in 2023.

The game took place on Sunday, June 23, on the university’s College Mall. Attendees were also able to learn about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from the World War II Girls Baseball Living History League before the game began.

Enjoying the great weather, locals and visitors alike cheered for their favorite team and appreciated an afternoon of old-school family fun.

“We had a fantastic game this year!,” said Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg. “Our vintage baseball game is a great opportunity to bring the community together, whether attendees are joining a team or watching and cheering on the players from the sidelines. We appreciate the involvement from both the city of Elmhurst and Elmhurst University and can’t wait for the next game!”

The Elmhurst History Museum is open to all ages and offers free admission. The museum is open 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Monday.

The current exhibit, “Victory at Home: 1941-1945,” on display through Aug. 18, explores the national effort to support the military during the war. This resilient and steadfast generation of civilians helped lead the Allies to victory through united efforts such as rationing, women in the workforce, increased war production, purchasing war bonds, and so much more. These efforts taught Americans how to economize, to alleviate the domestic hardships and mental fatigue a nation at war often experiences. The exhibit includes compelling artifacts, photographs, and interactive audio-video stations with hands-on experiences to demonstrate the significant contribution Chicago area residents, including those in Elmhurst, had on the homefront effort.

For additional information on the Elmhurst History Museum or upcoming events, visit www.elmhursthistory.org.