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 passionate volunteers. Last week, the Elgin City Council unanimously approved an updated agreement with the nonprofit organization that manages the museum. The historic fire barn at 533 St. Charles Street, built in 1903-1904, was originally designed to house two horses and a hose wagon. At the time, it stood at the southernmost point of Elgin. The new five-year agreement maintains the previous terms, including a $10 annual lease. The city remains responsible for building maintenance, utilities (excluding telephone service), and property insurance. Last year alone, utility costs reached $4,456, while annual insurance costs are estimated at $945. The city also handles regular repairs and plans to repaint the exterior this year. The original five-year contract expired in 2002 but continued under the same conditions until now. The updated agreement includes an automatic renewal clause, ensuring the deal will extend for additional five-year periods unless either party decides to terminate it. The nonprofit is required to maintain and update museum records, including a detailed inventory of the collection, which must be accessible to city officials. Volunteers like Dale Betts and James Carrigan work tirelessly to keep costs low, managing much of the upkeep themselves. They spend around $200 annually on fuel for the three antique fire 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 their own storage space for over two years. Despite these challenges, the museum remains a popular destination, welcoming about 672 visitors in 2016—its usual annual number. The museum is run entirely by donations and volunteer efforts, with 77 dues-paying members currently involved. Dale Betts has volunteered for five years, and James Carrigan 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 devastating fire in 1956 at the Rialto movie theater, where the roof collapsed. Carrigan is also working on a special project: a historical yearbook-style publication chronicling 150 years of the Elgin Fire Department. He expects it to be released by midsummer. Meanwhile, thanks to Rich Hoke and his team from the Elgin Building Maintenance department, the museum’s long-dormant fountain is set to be restored and will operate during warm weather. Inside, the museum is filled with fire department memorabilia and historical artifacts. It has been a registered National Historic Landmark since 1993 and is open to the public on alternate Sundays afternoons. For visits, it's best to call ahead at 847-697-6242 or email for more details. Admission is suggested at $2 for adults and $1 for children under 7. More information can be found at www.elginfiremuseum.com/. Thanks, Dan Low-Carbon Wire Mesh,Stainless Steel Welded Wire Mesh,Fine Stainless Steel Mesh,Stainless Steel Welded Mesh ANPING COUNTY ANSHENG WIRE MESHES PRODUCT CO.,LTD. , https://www.aswiremesh.com