Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: The Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, a historic landmark in the heart of Elgin, continues to operate thanks to the dedication of a small but passionate group of volunteers. Recently, the city council approved an updated agreement with the nonprofit organization that manages the museum, ensuring its preservation and continued use as a local historical site. Located at 533 St. Charles Street, the fire barn was originally built in 1903-1904 to house two horses and a hose wagon. It once stood at the southernmost point of Elgin, marking a significant part of the city’s early firefighting history. Today, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has served as a museum since 1993. Under the new agreement, the city remains responsible for maintaining the building, covering utilities (excluding telephone service), and managing property insurance. Last year alone, utility costs reached $4,456, while annual insurance expenses were approximately $945. The city also handles periodic repairs and plans to repaint the exterior this year. The previous five-year lease, which expired in 2002, had been extended under the same terms, including a symbolic $10-per-year rent. The updated agreement keeps these conditions largely unchanged, with a five-year term and automatic renewal every five years unless either party chooses to terminate it. The nonprofit is also required to maintain detailed records of the museum's collection and make them available to city officials. Volunteers like Dale Betts and James Carrigan work tirelessly to keep costs low, often handling much of the maintenance themselves. They spend around $200 annually on fuel for the three antique fire vehicles used in parades, with two stored in local fire stations and one on display inside the museum. Despite their efforts, the museum has struggled to find dedicated storage space for its vehicles for over two years. However, the community continues to support the museum through donations and volunteer work. In 2016, the museum welcomed 672 visitors—its usual annual number—and currently has 77 active members who pay dues. This year, the museum introduced new exhibits, including a wall commemorating the events of September 11, 2001, and a display about a devastating fire at the Rialto movie theater in 1956. James Carrigan is also working on a special project—a historical yearbook highlighting the 150-year legacy of the Elgin Fire Department, expected to be published by midsummer. Thanks to the efforts of Elgin Building Maintenance Superintendent Rich Hoke and his team, the museum’s long-dormant fountain will soon be restored and operational during warmer months. The space itself is filled with fire department memorabilia and is available for rentals, hosting everything from memorial services to children’s birthday parties and scouting events. As a volunteer-run facility, the museum is open for general visits every other Sunday afternoon. 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/. Thanks, Dan Razor Blade And Material,Razor Blades,Straight Edge Razor,Double Edge Razor NINGBO KAYDO PLASTIC CO.,LTD , https://www.kaydo-china.com