Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum continues to serve as a living piece of local history, thanks to the dedication of a small group of volunteers. The museum, located at 533 St. Charles Street, was originally built in 1903-1904 to house horses and a hose wagon. At the time, it stood at the southernmost point of Elgin, making it a significant landmark in the city's early development.
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 utility costs (excluding telephone service), and providing insurance. Last year, utility expenses totaled $4,456, while annual property insurance cost 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 conditions, including a $10-per-year lease. The updated deal keeps these terms largely unchanged, with a five-year term and the same low rent. From 2017 to 2021, the agreement includes an automatic renewal clause, allowing it to extend for additional five-year periods unless either party chooses to terminate it.
The nonprofit is also required to maintain and update museum records, including a detailed inventory of the collection, which must be accessible to the city. Volunteers like Dale Betts and James Carrigan work hard to reduce costs by handling much of the upkeep themselves. They spend about $200 annually on fuel for the three antique vehicles used in parades.
Two of the vehicles are stored in local fire stations, while one is on display at the museum. The group has been searching for its own storage space for two years. In 2016, the museum welcomed 672 visitors—a typical number—and relies entirely on donations and volunteer efforts. There are currently 77 dues-paying members.
Betts has volunteered for five years, while Carrigan has been involved for seven. This year, the museum is adding 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 caused the roof to collapse.
Carrigan is also working on a historical project, compiling a yearbook-style publication that explores the 150-year history of the Elgin Fire Department. He expects it to be published by midsummer.
Thanks to Rich Hoke and his team from the Elgin Building Maintenance department, the fountain in front of the museum, which had been non-functional for over five years, is set to be restored and will be operational during warmer months.
Located on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum has been open since 1993 and is filled with fire department memorabilia and stories. It’s also available for events such as memorial services, wakes, and children’s birthday parties. Due to its volunteer-run nature, it’s generally open every other Sunday afternoon, though 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. More information can be found at www.elginfiremuseum.com.
Thanks, Dan
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