For some people it’s family and friends. For others, it’s pets and favorite cars.

But for local author and historian Stephen Bigolin, it is historic buildings.

Inside his wallet, he proudly carries pictures of DeKalb County’s historical structures.

It is a passion for Bigolin that has been burning for more than 30 years.

“I always had an interest in historic buildings and architecture. I went over to Ellwood House one day for a tour and it got me hooked,” said Bigolin, reflecting on his days as an NIU student.

Many visits later, Bigolin was offered a job as a tour guide. He also gave bus tours of DeKalb during the sesquicentennial celebrations. His interest and enthusiasm for the history of the county has been intact ever since.

“In 1972 when I first started giving tours I gave myself six months to learn more about DeKalb so that I could be a better tour guide,” Bigolin said. “One thing led to another and that six months turned into 30 plus years.”

Bigolin can add one more accomplishment to his list with the publishing of the third book of his nine volume project.

The newest addition to his series, “A Journey Through DeKalb County, Vol. III,” was released in December by the Daily Chronicle. Bigolin did a signing for the book Saturday at Barnes and Noble, 2439 Sycamore Road.

The book was fifth on the bestseller list at Barnes and Noble for two weeks in December.

“The community really is interested in Steve’s book and always excited about when the new one is coming out,” said Anita Johnson, community relations manager for Barnes and Noble.

Bigolin based the series on his own experience giving historical and architectural bus tours, which he wrote about for the Daily Chronicle for 94 consecutive weeks in the Monday Neighbors section.

Bigolin is very enthusiastic and very thorough, said Phyllis Johnson, editorial assistant for the Daily Chronicle and cover artist for the books. He checks his facts very carefully.

Bigolin’s expertise drew the attention of an anonymous investor who approached the paper after the fifth article ran and offered to finance the binding of the articles into a series of books.

His success with the series has been praised by his colleagues, Johnson said.

“He is doing a great job of preserving the history of what might otherwise disappear,” Johnson said.

Bigolin’s next book in the series, “Landmarks of Barb City,” is expected to be available this December.