Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, a cherished piece of local history, continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of a small group of volunteers. Located at 533 St. Charles St., the historic fire barn was built in 1903-1904 and once stood at the southernmost point of Elgin. It originally housed two horses and a hose wagon, serving as a vital part of the community’s firefighting efforts.
Last week, the city council unanimously approved an updated agreement with the nonprofit organization that manages the museum. Under the new terms, the city will still be responsible for maintaining the building, covering utilities (excluding telephone service), and ensuring proper insurance coverage. Last year alone, utility costs amounted to $4,456, while annual property insurance cost the city around $945. The city also handles routine maintenance and plans to repaint the exterior this year.
The previous five-year agreement expired in 2002 but continued under the same terms, including a symbolic $10-per-year lease. The updated deal keeps many of those provisions, including a five-year term and the same low rental fee. Additionally, the agreement includes an automatic renewal clause from 2017 to 2021, meaning it will renew every five years unless either party chooses to terminate it.
The nonprofit is also required to maintain and update museum records, including providing a detailed inventory of the collection and making it accessible to city officials. Volunteers like Dale Betts and James Carrigan work hard to reduce costs by handling much of the upkeep themselves. They spend roughly $200 annually on fuel for the museum’s three antique vehicles, which are used in parades throughout the year.
Two of the vehicles are stored in local fire stations, while one remains on display inside the museum. The group has been searching for a dedicated storage space for the past two years. Despite these challenges, the museum welcomed 672 visitors in 2016—its usual annual number—and relies entirely on donations and volunteer efforts. There are currently 77 dues-paying members who support its mission.
Betts has volunteered for five years, and Carrigan has been involved for seven. This year, the museum introduced new exhibits, including a wall dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001, and a display about a devastating fire in 1956 that collapsed the roof of the Rialto movie theater in downtown Elgin.
Carrigan is also working on a special project—a kind of yearbook detailing the 150-year history of the Elgin Fire Department. He expects the publication to be ready by midsummer. Meanwhile, thanks to the efforts of Elgin Building Maintenance Superintendent Rich Hoke and his team, the fountain in front of the museum, which had been out of commission for over five years, is set to be restored and operational during warm weather.
Inside, the museum is filled with historical artifacts, photos, and memorabilia from the city’s firefighting past. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has served as a museum since 1993. It is also available for private events such as memorial services, wakes, children's birthday parties, and group visits.
Due to its volunteer-run nature, the museum is generally open every other Sunday afternoon. Visitors are encouraged to call 847-697-6242 or email before visiting. Admission is suggested at $2 for adults and $1 for children under 7. More information can be found at www.elginfiremuseum.com.
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