Trolley museum on track for expansion

Chicago Tribune, 5-17-99

By Bechetta Jackson
TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Funds, support sought to build visitors center

When completed in 2005, the 4,000-square-foot building would be the gateway to the popular outdoor museum, home to more than 25 pieces of historical railroad, streetcar and interurban electric rail equipment.

"It will house a reception area, admissions area, historical displays and a multipurpose room to allow for audio visuals and archives," said Fred Lonnes, president of the Fox River Trolley Association, a volunteer organization that runs the museum on Illinnois Highway 31.

Though plans are still in the early stages, Lonnes recently made a presentation to South Elgin village trustees requesting their support.

Because the museum operates as a private, not-for-profit institution, Lonnes said he would go before the Plan Commission in June to ask that the village waive local building permit fees.

Lonnes said he also is seeking a federal transportation museum grant that would require sponsorship by a municipality. The grant could fund up to 80 percent of the project's cost.

"We want their blessing and input," Lonnes'said of Village Board members. "They indicated they are supportive of our goals."

Village President Rick Zirk said the expansion can only benefit the community.

"Not many communities can boast of having a facility like this," Zirk said.

Visitors often get a kick out of seeing historic Chicago Transit Authority elevated trains and riding trolleys and streetcars along the old electric line, which ambles along a scenic stretch of the west bank of the Fox River.

It operates over a short surviving segment of the Aurora, Elgin and Fox River Electric, an interurban railroad that linked the cities of the Fox Valley before paved highways and automobiles stole away riders.

This year's operating season started on Mother's Day. The museum, which averages 9,000 visitors per year, is open Sundays and holidays through Nov. 7, with Saturday hours starting in late June.

"It really is a nice amenity for the community," Village Administrator Bren Eichelberger said.

After completing the visitors center, museum officials hope to build a $200,000 display building to house old trolley cars and a $250,000 restoration facility for train repairs, Lonnes said.

The association is moving ahead now with the visitors center project because funding appears to be available, Lonnes said. Already, $10,000 in seed money has been raised. In addition to that funding and the grant, money for the project is expected to be raised by a volunteer committee.