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A memorial bench lost 30 years ago was restored this summer, reviving a family legacy that has long been part of Elgin’s story and its immigrant history.
The new bench in Veterans Memorial Park honors Irene and Uvaldino Santos Sr., whose contributions to the city included running businesses, leading community events and helping immigrant families establish themselves in Elgin. The Santos family’s local roots stretch back to the early 1900s, and relatives said the inscription reflects Santos Sr.’s role as a mentor and advocate.
“This honorary bench was earned by my grandparents for all they did for the city of Elgin and the residents in their lifetime,” said granddaughter Malinda Santos, who helped coordinate the replacement. “Although the bench is not in the original location, it does have a prominent placement in the park, across from my grandfather’s store.”
Community business owners originally dedicated the first cement bench to the Santos family decades ago, but it was destroyed in a car accident in the 1990s, according to Malinda. The family remained unaware until she noticed it missing during a recent visit for her uncle’s funeral.
After returning home, Malinda began calling city offices for answers. She said Parks and Recreation staff, particularly Program Manager Elizabeth Marzec, were accommodating and pleasant, and by July 24 the replacement bench was installed.
The plaque on the new bench reads: “Uvaldino (Irene) Santos Sr. Elgin Statesman, Philanthropist, Advocate, Voice of the Unheard Immigrants Seeking a Better Life. 1896-1981.”
In addition to running Southside Café and Grocery on Central Avenue, Uvaldino Sr. helped many newcomers buy homes and start businesses at a time when opportunities were harder to access, according to Malinda.
“He helped so many people who could not speak English or did not have an education,” Malinda said, adding that her grandfather chaired the city’s Mexican Independence Day celebration in 1923. “He was a voice for them.”
Today, only an aunt and two cousins remain in Elgin, but relatives will soon gather again for a small dedication at the bench, welcoming community members to join them in remembering the family’s legacy.
More on the Santos family history can be found at the Depot Museum and in the Courier archives, including recognition of the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary in a 1973 edition.
