04/30/2026
Orrin Bergey, son of the local fire chief, was called upon in high school to demonstrate how to slide down the fire escape. Unfortunately, he broke his hip during the attempt. While recovering, Orrin struck up a conversation with a traveling watchmaker. Taking the manโs career advice to heart, he enrolled in watchmakerโs college in Elgin, Illinois. 75 years later, his family is still continuing the tradition. It must be in their genes! Pictured below: Orrin Bergey, Jeff Bergey and Hudson-watchmaker in training!