Certainly! Here's a rewritten version of the text:
---
I recently came across some fascinating excerpts from the Chicago Tribune regarding the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum. This unique museum, nestled at 533 St. Charles Street, continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of a small but passionate team of volunteers. The museum, housed in a building constructed in 1903-1904 to accommodate horses and a hose wagon, stands as a vital piece of Elgin's history.
The Elgin city council has unanimously approved updates to the existing agreement between the city and the nonprofit managing the museum. The city will retain responsibility for the building's maintenance and utilities, excluding phone services, and will continue to cover property insurance costs, which amount to approximately $4,456 annually for utilities and $945 for insurance. Additionally, the city plans to repaint the exterior of the building later this year.
Previously operating under a five-year agreement that expired in 2002, the museum has continued to function under the old terms, paying just $10 per year in rent. The revised agreement, valid from 2017 to 2021, includes an automatic renewal clause, ensuring the continuation of the agreement unless either party decides to terminate it.
The nonprofit must also keep meticulous records of the museum’s collection, providing an inventory and making these documents accessible to the city. Volunteer members like Dale Betts and James Carrigan have gone above and beyond, handling much of the maintenance themselves to keep costs low. For instance, they spend around $200 annually fueling their three antique vehicles for parade appearances.
Currently, two of these vehicles are stored in Elgin fire stations, while one remains on display inside the museum. The organization has been searching for suitable storage space for the past two years. In 2016, the museum recorded 672 visitors, a figure consistent with previous years. It relies entirely on donations and the efforts of its 77 dues-paying members.
Betts, who has volunteered for five years, and Carrigan, with seven years of involvement, expressed pride in the museum's progress. New exhibits this year highlight the events of September 11, 2001, and a memorable fire at the Rialto movie theater in 1956 where the roof collapsed. Carrigan mentioned plans to release a commemorative yearbook documenting the 150-year history of the Elgin Fire Department, expected to be published in mid-summer.
Special thanks go to Elgin Building Maintenance Superintendent Rich Hoke and his team for restoring the museum's decorative fountain, which hadn’t worked for over five years, back to functionality. Packed with firefighting memorabilia, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has served as a museum since 1993.
The museum offers event rentals, hosting everything from memorial services to scout meetings, though it's primarily open to the public every other Sunday afternoon. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead at 847-697-6242 or email for confirmation. Admission is suggested at $2 for adults and $1 for children under seven. For more details, visit www.elginfiremuseum.com/.
Thanks for sharing this, Dan!
---
This version maintains the original content while adding depth and readability, totaling over 500 characters.
Power end accessories mainly include cross head, connecting rod, bearing seat, if you need to customize can contact us to put forward your needs, we will wholeheartedly provide service
Power End Accessories,Power Accessories Dead End,Overhead Power Line Accessories,Power Line Accessory
Jiangyin Yida Machinery Manufacturing Co.,Ltd. , https://www.yidamachinery.com