"Built By Barbed Wire" July 6, 2024

Haish Memorial Library postcard

Haish Memorial Library postcard. Click image to enlarge. | Courtesy of Eva Johnson, "TheFamilyLibrarian"

Thanks to Eva Johnson, curator of an incredible DeKalb County postcards Flickr site, for sharing this image with us. See her collection by clicking here

Haish Memorial Library postcard

Front of Haish Memorial Library postcard | Courtesy of DeKalb County History Center Archives

This undated postcard shares an image of The Haish Memorial Library, now known as the DeKalb Public Library in DeKalb, IL. The Haish Memorial Library was designed by Chicago architects White and Weber and built in the art deco style of the 1930s with funds left to the library by Jacob Haish in his 1928 will. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Back of Haish Memorial Library postcard | Courtesy of DeKalb County History Center archives

Haish Memorial Library postcard

 

PHOTOS: Haish Memorial Library

We are continuing to share Jacob Haish-related images from the Floyd Ritzman Collection. The Joiner History Room has generously allowed me to share these images on this website.

The below photos capture the Haish Memorial Library, which is now known as the DeKalb Public Library. Jacob Haish left $150,000 in his will to create a public library for the city. Haish died in 1926, and the library was erected in 1930. These photos capture the library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb, in its earliest years.

DeKalb Haish Library in 1937 | Photo courtesy of Joiner History Room, DeKalb County Archives

DeKalb Haish Library in 1937 | Photo courtesy of Joiner History Room, DeKalb County Archives

DeKalb Haish Library in 1937 | Photo courtesy of Joiner History Room, DeKalb County Archives

DeKalb Haish Library in 1937 | Photo courtesy of Joiner History Room, DeKalb County Archives

From the Joiner History Room website: "Over 700 photos from the Floyd Ritzman Collection which are part of the Northern Illinois University Digital Library are now available on Flickr at https://flic.kr/s/aHskqwXroS. This collection of photos, taken in and around DeKalb County, was formerly part of the Taming the Wild Prairie website. Thanks to Matthew Short at NIU for making these historical photos available."

According to the Joiner History Room's website, "Floyd R. Ritzman (1885-1975) was a teacher and administrator in the DeKalb public school system. His passion was photography." Special thanks to the Joiner History Room for allowing me to share these images.

Jacob Haish to be recognized with historical marker

Mark your calendar: the dedication ceremony for the Jacob Haish historical marker has been set.

The dedication ceremony for the Illinois State historical marker honoring Jacob Haish will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 17, 2017, at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St.

The Haish marker is the latest historical marker designation through the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association, and donations to fund the project have rolled in from barbed wire groups, locals, family descendants and more.

A photo-shopped image shows where the Jacob Haish historical marker will be placed at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street. | Image provided by Bob Myers

The historical marker will detail Haish's contributions to the agricultural community through his innovations such as barbed wire and farming implements. The text on the marker also honors his "eccentric personality and generous philanthropy."

The marker will be posted outside of the DeKalb Public Library, or Haish Memorial Library, as it was originally known, due to Haish's decision to leave $150,000 in his will for a community library.

IF YOU GO 
What: Dedication for the Illinois State Historical Marker honoring Jacob Haish
When: 10:30 a.m. on June 17, 2017
Where: DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., DeKalb, Illinois

Speakers include: 
Norm Larson, DAAHA board president
William Furry, Illinois State Historical Society executive director
Rep. Robert Pritchard, Illinois House of Representatives, 70th district
Jerry Smith, Mayor of DeKalb
Emily Faulkner, DeKalb Public Library director
Dr. Jeffrey Chown, Northern Illinois University, Dept. of Communications
Jeff Marshall, Haish family representative

The marker will be unveiled following remarks from the speakers.

For more information contact DAAHA at 815-756-8737, or visit daaha.org.

Haish Historical Marker Needs Funding

A local group is working toward creating a permanent and "visible legacy" in honor of barbed wire baron Jacob Haish.

DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association, or DAAHA, is raising funds to place a historical marker outside of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street. The marker will detail Haish's life and honor his many contributions to DeKalb. 

The DeKalb Public Library board recently approved the location of the marker, which will be placed just outside the original entrance to the library, or as some know it, the entrance to the Haish Memorial Library. Haish's will left $150,000 to the city for the construction of the library, which was completed in 1930.

A photo-shopped image shows where the Jacob Haish historical marker will be placed at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street. | Image provided by Bob Myers

With library approval and a proposed text already written with help from Haish family descendant Jeff Marshall, just one more crucial element is needed: the funds to pay for the marker.

The total cost of the marker is estimated at $4,200, said Larry Mix, member of the DAAHA historical marker subcommittee. Just $500 has been raised as of January, and in order to install the marker by their goal of June of this year, the majority of funds will need to be raised by April, Mix said.

Mix hopes both relatives and fans of Haish's story will donate and help preserve the history of a man who did so much for not only the city of DeKalb, but much of the world, because of his barbed wire and farming implement creations.

"Having this marker [outside of the library] is a great opportunity," Mix said. "So many people walk in and out, and may not know who Jacob Haish was. I really think people would be interested to know why he was so important."

TO DONATE:
Tax deductible donations may be made to DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA), and mailed to 111 South 2^nd St., DeKalb IL 60115. Donations should be marked “Haish Marker.” 

For more information on DAAHA visit DAAHA.org.

- - -

Below is the proposed text for the marker, which is pending approval by the Illinois State Historical Society.

Jacob Haish

(1826 – 1926)

Known for his inventive genius, eccentric personality and generous philanthropy, Jacob Haish is perhaps most remembered as an inventor of barbed wire.  Born in Germany, he immigrated to this country in 1832 and came to DeKalb County in the 1840’s.

As a lumber merchant and builder, Haish learned about the West’s need for cheap, durable fencing to safeguard against livestock that roamed freely, destroying crops.  At the DeKalb County Fair in 1873 he noticed a patented wooden fence design with sharp metal barbs. From this, Haish got the idea to make wire barbs and place them on wire that could be stretched between fence posts.   A patent was later issued August 31, 1875 on Haish’s design, called “S” barbed wire.

Haish started manufacturing S barbed wire in 1874 and in 1881 he erected a two-story factory where one hundred men produced thirty tons of barbed wire a day, later using automatic machinery to manufacture the wire.  Other ventures included manufacturing of woven fencing, manure spreaders, cream separators and other farm implements.

Between 1892 and 1895 Haish partnered with his barbed wire rivals Isaac Ellwood and Joseph Glidden to bring the Northern Illinois State Normal School to DeKalb, donating $14,000 for the school’s library. 

Haish’s will directed much of his estate to the betterment of the community he loved, including $150,000 for the construction of the DeKalb Public (Haish Memorial) Library.  The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Sponsored by DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (www.DAAHA.org) and Illinois State Historical Society. June 2017

                                                             

Celebrating the Haish Memorial Library restoration

Dee Coover, executive director of the DeKalb Public Library, speaks during the "Grander Opening" of the Haish Memorial Library on Sept. 10 in DeKalb. The event celebrated the restoration of the historic building. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Jacob Haish's monetary donation for a city library in the early 1900s was a big deal at the time, says Dee Coover, executive director of the DeKalb Public Library. 

"The library was dedicated in 1931, it was being built during the Great Depression," Coover said. "It was almost unheard of at the time. That could not have been done without his donation."

Haish had left $150,000 in his will for DeKalb to have a building for a library. Before that, the library had held odd spaces in other locations, such as the second floor of the city hall building. 

With Haish's major donation, a building was erected on Oak Street, and it served the community for decades. In recent years, however, issues came to light, such as the need for an updated HVAC system, and the fact that the building was not handicap-accessible.The community had also outgrown the 19,000 square foot building, so the library built a modern addition to add space.

The exterior wall and entrance to the Haish Memorial Library is seen from the lobby of the DeKalb Public Library on Sept. 10. Hundreds of people attended the dedication ceremony for the buildings. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The former exterior wall of the Haish Memorial Library is now inside of the newly expanded DeKalb Public Library. It was cleaned up as part of the building's restoration efforts. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Instead of razing the Haish Memorial Library building, it was restored and now features a variety of services, including a teen room, computer lab, 3D printers, and the fitting "local history room." The completion of both the Haish building restoration project and the brand new, 65,000 square foot addition were celebrated Sept. 10.

Coover said it was important to keep "the ambience of 1930," after all, the Haish building is featured on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cork flooring was added to the Haish Memorial Library to pay homage to the original flooring in the building in the early 1930s. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The sign denoting the Haish Memorial Library as a historic building. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The teen room in the Haish building features, books, TVs and even video game consoles. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Library patrons learn about the three 3D printers that are now housed in the Haish Memorial Library building. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Preservation and restoration efforts included installing cork flooring similar to the floor in the original building. The DeKalb Public Library's main lobby, which connects the Haish building and the new addition, shows off the exterior wall of the Haish building, with a large doorway added for entering the Haish building. 

"This wall is just stunning," Coover said while pointing at a wall of the Haish building, which is now part of the library's main entryway. "The entire thing was cleaned up with baking soda, and now it's inside. It's beautiful."

Members of city government and the library, as well as major donors to the expansion project, gather for the ribbon cutting at the entrance of the Haish Memorial Library building. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Community members hold up a "Proudly DeKalb" sign during the dedication ceremony for the newly restored Haish Memorial Library building on Sept. 10. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Contractors worked to keep "the ambience of 1930" in the Haish building, said library executive director Dee Coover. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Details of the Haish Memorial Library building. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The original desk is still featured in the Haish Memorial Library. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The Haish Memorial Library was the appropriate building to house the local history room, said Steve Bigolin, local historian and library employee. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The local history room features regional books and resources. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

For more information on the history of the library, click here. For more information on the library's new addition, as well as the Haish building restoration project, click here.

The enscription "This building is the gift of Jacob Haish to the City of DeKalb," can still be found in the original entryway of the Haish Memorial Library building. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The original entrance to the Haish Memorial Library is now closed off. The art deco building was designed by Chicago architects White and Weber. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Jacob Haish postcards

Jacob Haish surely left his mark on DeKalb, and although many of his contributions and buildings may no longer stand, postcards from the area preserve the image and history.

These images of vintage postcards are used with permission from Susan White Pieroth and larger versions, as well as more DeKalb cards, can be seen on her page here: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~scwhite/postcards/DeKalb_Sycamore/

Interior view of Haish Auditorium in DeKalb | Postcard courtesy of Susan White Pieroth

First Evangelical Lutheran Church postcard shows Haish mansion and fountain. | Postcard courtesy of Susan White Pieroth

Haish Memorial Library in DeKalb | Postcard courtesy of Susan White Pieroth

Haish School in DeKalb | Postcard courtesy of Susan White Pieroth

Jacob Haish Company postcard shows Haish's DeKalb factories | Postcard courtesy of Susan White Pieroth

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Haish along with the Haish mansion | Postcard courtesy of Susan White Pieroth

For larger versions of these and many more DeKalb and Sycamore postcards, visit Pieroth's site here.

Haish mansion fountain

Pieces of Jacob Haish's life can be found scattered throughout the county...even in a DeKalb warehouse.

Jim Hovis, of DeKalb, is a collector of various historical and unique items, and he is the owner of this fountain, now deconstructed, which he says was once on the property of Jacob Haish's mansion.

Jim Hovis, of DeKalb, sits on a piece of a fountain that was owned by Jacob Haish. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Hovis purchased the fountain from the auction of a home that once sat at 315 N. Third St. in DeKalb. Hovis said he was unsure of how the fountain came to the Third Street home, other than its proximity to Haish's former mansion. The auction was for the house and its contents, which Hovis purchased.
 
Hovis said he put a lot of money into the Third Street home to try to restore it, only to find out it could not be saved. Hovis then sold the house so the property could be used for the expansion of the library: the DeKalb Public Library, or as some know it, the Haish Memorial Library. 

Jacob Haish's fountain features barbed wire. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The fountain's pieces currently sit in a DeKalb warehouse, but Hovis said he is interested in donating it to the library to be a part of its previous owner's legacy. 

The picture below shows the fountain in use at Jacob Haish's home. The image is part of a postcard that featured the First Evangelical Lutheran Church.  

Postcard image shows the fountain in use at the Haish mansion. Image used with permission from Susan White Pieroth. Larger versions, as well as more DeKalb postcards, can be seen on her page
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~scwhite/postcards/DeKalb_Sycamore/

Jacob Haish historical marker in the works

Jacob Haish photo courtesy of Joiner History Room

DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association, or DAAHA, is in the beginning stages of bringing a Jacob Haish historical marker to town. 

The non-profit organization has been behind many other historical markers around DeKalb, including the location of the first DeKalb brand hybrid corn breeding plot.

Donna Langford, DAAHA operations manager, said the organization hopes to have a historical marker honoring Haish at the DeKalb Public Library on Oak Street as soon as this year. In his will, Haish bequested $150,000 money to build a public library, the Haish Memorial Library.

Langford said the location is pending library board approval. The project is also on hold until funds are raised to pay for the marker, which could cost as much as $4,000, she said.

Donations to the project can be made at DAAHA's website or by calling DAAHA at 815-756-8737. Langford asks that donors specify that the money is going toward the Haish historical marker project.