Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com: The Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, a historic site located at 533 St. Charles Street, continues to stand as a living piece of local history, thanks to the dedication of a small group of volunteers. Last week, the city council unanimously approved an updated agreement with the nonprofit organization that manages the museum. The building, originally constructed in 1903-1904, was once the southernmost fire station in Elgin and was designed to house two horses and a hose wagon. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the rich heritage of the Elgin Fire Department. Under the new five-year agreement, the city remains responsible for maintaining the structure, covering utilities (excluding telephone service), and providing property insurance. Last year, utility costs totaled $4,456, while annual insurance costs were approximately $945. The city also handles routine maintenance and repairs, including a planned exterior paint job this year. The previous agreement, which expired in 2002, continued under its original terms, including a $10-per-year lease. The updated contract keeps the same structure, with a $10 annual rent and a five-year term. It also includes an automatic renewal clause, meaning the agreement will continue for additional five-year periods unless either party decides to terminate it. The nonprofit is required to maintain and update museum records, including an inventory of the collection, and must make these available to the city. Volunteers like Dale Betts and James Carrigan play a vital role in keeping the museum running. They handle much of the upkeep themselves, helping to keep operating costs low. The group spends about $200 annually on fuel for their three antique fire vehicles, which are used in local parades. One of the vehicles is on display inside the museum, while the other two are stored in Elgin fire stations. The museum has been searching for dedicated storage space for over two years. Despite these challenges, the museum remains a popular destination, attracting around 672 visitors in 2016—its usual annual number. It operates entirely on donations and volunteer efforts, with 77 dues-paying members currently supporting the cause. 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 at the Rialto movie theater in 1956 that collapsed the roof. Carrigan is also working on a special project—a historical yearbook-style publication documenting the 150-year history of the Elgin Fire Department. He expects it to be published 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 now back in working order during warm weather. Inside, the museum is filled with fire department memorabilia and artifacts, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1993, it has served not only as a museum but also as a venue for events such as memorial services, wakes, funerals, scouting meetings, and children's birthday parties. As the museum is run entirely by volunteers, it is generally open for public visits 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. For more information, visit www.elginfiremuseum.com/. Thanks Dan Razor Assemble Machine,Razor Cartridge Making Machine,Razor Cover Assembling,Razor Install Machine NINGBO KAYDO PLASTIC CO.,LTD , https://www.kaydo-china.com