Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, a cherished piece of local history, continues to operate thanks to the dedication of a small group of volunteers. Located at 533 St. Charles St., the fire barn was originally built in 1903-1904 to house two horses and a hose wagon. At the time, it stood at the southernmost point of Elgin.
The city council recently approved an updated agreement with the nonprofit that manages the museum. Under the new terms, the city will continue to handle building maintenance, utilities (excluding telephone service), and property insurance. Last year, utility costs totaled $4,456, while annual insurance is estimated at $945. The city also covers regular maintenance and plans to repaint the exterior this year.
The previous five-year contract expired in 2002 but remained in effect under the same conditions, including a $10-per-year lease. The new agreement mirrors the old one, maintaining the $10 annual fee and a five-year term. It also includes an automatic renewal clause for additional five-year periods unless either party terminates it.
The nonprofit is required to maintain and update museum records, including providing an inventory of the collection for the city’s review. Volunteers like Dale Betts and James Carrigan work hard to reduce costs by handling as much maintenance as possible. They spend around $200 annually on fuel for the museum’s three antique vehicles, which are used in parades.
One vehicle is on display at the museum, while the other two are stored in local fire stations. The museum has been seeking its own storage space for over two years. In 2016, the museum welcomed 672 visitors, a typical number for the year. It relies entirely on donations and volunteer efforts, with 77 active members paying dues.
Betts has volunteered for five years, while Carrigan has been involved for seven. This year, the museum added new exhibits, including a wall dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001, and a display about a 1956 fire at the Rialto movie theater that collapsed the roof.
Carrigan is also working on a historical yearbook project covering the 150-year history of the Elgin Fire Department, expected to be published this summer. Thanks to Rich Hoke and his team from Elgin Building Maintenance, the fountain in front of the museum, which had been non-functional for over five years, is set to be restored.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum has been open since 1993. It features a rich collection of fire department memorabilia and is available for events such as memorial services, wakes, and children’s parties. Due to its volunteer-run nature, the museum is typically open every other Sunday afternoon, and visitors are encouraged to call ahead at 847-697-6242 or email before visiting.
Admission is suggested at $2 for adults and $1 for children under 7. For more information, visit www.elginfiremuseum.com.
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