"Built By Barbed Wire" July 6, 2024

UPCOMING PROGRAM: "Built by Barbed Wire"

Photo by Jessi Haish LaRue

As the 150th anniversary of Joseph F. Glidden’s “The Winner” barbed wire patent approaches, there are opportunities to learn more about the prosperity and innovation that barbed wire brought to DeKalb, earning it the nickname “Barb City.”

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, the Glidden Homestead and DeKalb Public Library will host a “Built by Barbed Wire” program at the library, 309 Oak Street. This program, which is free and open to the public, will share the history of the building that was donated by barbed wire baron Jacob Haish. 

On February 15, 1931, the Haish Memorial Library Building at 309 Oak Street was dedicated. Built on land provided by the city and financed by a bequest of $150,000 from barbed-wire millionaire Jacob Haish, the striking building with its Indiana Bedford limestone facade soon gained national recognition through an article in Architecture magazine. In 1934 the library received a mural by Gustaf Dahlstrom from the Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project. 

Jessi Haish LaRue, Glidden Homestead executive director, will provide remarks on the barbed wire story in DeKalb and Jacob Haish’s gift to the community. Then, Emily Faulkner, DeKalb Public Library executive director, will provide a tour and “behind the scenes” view of both the original portion and the “new” portion of the library. Highlights include various historic plaques, nods to the original architecture, and new additions, including the automated book sorter.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Glidden’s “The Winner” patent, the most widely-used barbed wire in the world, which also earned Glidden the title “The Father of Barbed Wire.” In September 2024 the Homestead will celebrate by hosting a barbed wire exposition show in coordination with the Antique Barbed Wire Society, and other community-wide events. 

For more information contact Jessi Haish LaRue, Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, at jessi@gliddenhomestead.org or 815-756-7904.

More Haish postcards

The Haish School | Courtesy of Eva Johnson, "TheFamilyLibrarian"

Jacob Haish Company | Courtesy of Eva Johnson, "TheFamilyLibrarian"

The Haish Memorial Library | Courtesy of Eva Johnson, "TheFamilyLibrarian"

Haish's New Electric Power and Gas Engine Plant | Courtesy of Eva Johnson, "TheFamilyLibrarian"

Thanks to Eva Johnson, curator of an incredible DeKalb County postcards Flickr site, for sharing these postcards with us. Click the images to enlarge, and see her collection by clicking HERE

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

 

Jacob Haish sites (DeKalb and beyond)

Below is a list of Jacob Haish sites in DeKalb and beyond, taken from a presentation I gave at Glidden Homestead in Sept. 2019. These are just a few examples of Jacob Haish history that are still present today.

DeKalb Public Library (Haish Memorial Library) and Jacob Haish historical marker
309 Oak St., DeKalb

The Haish Memorial Library, now known as the DeKalb Public Library, was built because of a $150,000 donation from Jacob Haish in his will, when he died in 1926. The library was dedicated in 1931, and the original building still features the Haish name on the outside of the building, as well as a dedication inside. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

In 2017 a historical marker was dedicated to Haish, which was fitting because there is no museum or other location dedicated in his honor. The marker was placed by the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association to tell Haish's story to passerby. The marker's text was written by Haish relative Jeff Marshall, and mentions Haish's "inventive genius" and "eccentric personality." It also notes Haish's contributions to farming equipment creations, Northern Illinois University, and other DeKalb buildings.

http://dkpl.org/about-the-library/ 

Former location of Haish mansion
Corner of Third and Pine streets, DeKalb

The Haish mansion was located on the corner of Third and Pine streets in DeKalb, and was three stories tall. Haish, a carpenter, chose to model his home after memories of castles from his homeland of Germany. He left the house to his housekeeper, Anna Anderson, in his will. 

There was no plan for the mansion after her death, however, so the home had to be sold to pay for other projects Haish mentioned in his will. The neighboring First Lutheran Church purchased the home and used it for years as a parsonage and school. However, the house would need costly repairs, which the church couldn't afford. When there were no interested buyers, the church decided to demolish the mansion for a parking lot in 1961, and it still remains that way today.

http://www.jacobhaishstory.com/2018/02/photos-jacob-haish-mansion.html

Carriage house
Next to the parking lot on corner of Third and Pine streets, DeKalb

The neighboring carriage house is the only remaining part of the Haish mansion. Today it is still in use as apartment complexes.

Haish portrait
Founders Memorial Library, 217 Normal Road, DeKalb

Founders Memorial Library on the NIU campus is now home to a Jacob Haish portrait, but it took many years for it to get there. The portrait was originally located in the Haish mansion, and it could be seen when you first opened the front door. The portrait remained there until the house was about to be demolished in 1961. It has been said the members of the local Masonic lodge (which Haish had been a member of) snuck into the home shortly before demolition and took it. It remained in the DeKalb lodge until 2018, when it was placed in the Founders Library, along with images of other NIU/DeKalb founders Joseph Glidden and Isaac Ellwood. It can now be viewed in the library during open hours. It does have a large tear, and NIU is looking for monetary donations to fund the reported $22,000 worth of repairs needed.

http://www.jacobhaishstory.com/2018/10/jacob-haish-portrait-finds-new-home.html 

Haish Gymnasium
303 S. Ninth St., DeKalb

Haish Elementary School was opened in the 300 block of South 9th Street in DeKalb in 1903. It would be torn down in 1975, but the Haish gymnasium, which was part of the school, still remains. Today it functions as a fitness center and is owned by the DeKalb Park District.

https://www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/haish-gym 

Jacob & Sophia Haish burial monument (Fairview Cemetery)
509 N. First St., DeKalb

Sophia died in 1918, and Jacob died in 1926, just 18 days short of his 100th birthday. Sophia and Jacob were buried in the Fairview Memorial Cemetery on the south side of DeKalb. Jacob had the design of his monument copyrighted, which you can see on the monument itself. The monument features an urn design with an inscription, which describes Jacob’s life as distinguished for his contributions to the barbed wire industry, and “the history of wire fencing would be incomplete without the record of his achievements in that field.”

The burial monument is in the very back of the cemetery, as Jacob was under the impression that the new cemetery would be built from that direction, and that his monument would be featured at the front. That was changed later, and his monument is now located in the rear of the cemetery lot, near the pet cemetery. 

http://www.jacobhaishstory.com/2017/09/haish-monument-at-fairview-cemetery.html

Furniture from Haish Mansion (Ellwood House Visitors' Center)

509 N. First Street, DeKalb 

The Ellwood House Visitors’ Center is home to a display of furniture that once resided in the Haish mansion. Many of the items from the mansion were purchased in an auction after Jacob’s death. Paul Nehring purchased quite a bit of the furniture, and his wife Shirley Hamilton Nehring, used it in their home, which is on the museum grounds. After that home was donated to the museum in 2011, the furniture was sold to the Ellwood House so that it could be on display. These items can be viewed during the Visitors Center hours.

http://www.jacobhaishstory.com/2016/05/jacob-haish-furniture-exhibit-at.html

Statues from the Haish mansion (Red Barn Golf Course)
12379 Wagon Wheel Road, Rockton, IL

Antique collector Walter Williamson owned the Wagon Wheel Resort in Rockton. He purchased scavenger's rights to the Haish mansion before its demolition in 1961, and filled multiple trucks with decor and fixtures from the house. These two statues are now on display at the golf course in Rockton. They once stood proudly outside of the Haish mansion door.

http://www.jacobhaishstory.com/2016/11/jacob-haish-history-sits-quietly-in.html 

Chandeliers and woodwork from the Haish mansion (China Palace Restaurant)
625 S. Blackhawk Boulevard, Rockton, IL

More Walter Wiliamson items are on display at the China Palace Restaurant, including woodwork and chandeliers. All of these items must be worth well more than the $1,200 Williamson spent for his scavenger's rights.



Looking for more information on Jacob Haish sites?
DeKalb County History Center/Joiner History Room
NIU Regional History Center
DeKalb Public Library
Historian Steve Bigolin

Haish School & Haish Library postcards

I recently visited the Kane County Flea Market and was lucky to stumble across these wonderful Jacob Haish related postcards. (And for a bargain!) They depict the former Haish School, and the Haish Memorial Library (now known as the DeKalb Public Library.) Both sides of the postcards are below.

Haish School postcard

The back of the Haish School postcard

Haish Memorial Library postcard, dated 1981

The back of the 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 historical marker dedicated

The Jacob Haish historical marker now stands outside of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The Jacob Haish historical marker was sponsored by DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association, the Illinois State Historical Society, and local contributors. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The Jacob Haish historical marker was dedicated and unveiled Saturday, June 17, at the DeKalb Public Library. The marker was sponsored in part by the Illinois State Historical Society and DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA.)

The marker was 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.

Many members of the community, as well as members of the Haish family, gathered Saturday to listen to speeches and see the official unveiling of DAAHA's seventh historical marker in the area. 

DAAHA Board President Norm Larson speaks during the Jacob Haish historical marker dedication on June 17, 2017. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Haish family representative Jeff Marshall told Haish's story during the marker dedication ceremony. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Larry Mix, member of the DAAHA historical marker subcommittee, read the marker's text to the audience. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

DAAHA Board President Norm Larson remarked how incredible it is to think that the Haish marker will be there for generations 100 years from now to enjoy.

Emily Faulkner, DeKalb Public Library director, spoke during the ceremony and told her own story as a young girl living on Haish Boulevard in DeKalb, growing up believing Haish was a president of the United States, much like most other street namesakes in the town.

Jeff Marshall, of DeKalb, represented the Haish family and gave a historical perspective on his third great uncle, a German immigrant who spent his life creating agricultural innovations, such as barbed wire and farming implements.

DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith and Rep. Robert Pritchard, Illinois House of Representatives, also spoke during the ceremony, recognizing Haish's philanthropy and generous gifts to the community, including money for a library, hospital, and the first college in the area, today known as Northern Illinois University.

Local historian Steve Bigolin said it was a great day for Haish to "finally get more recognition."

Following the remarks, Haish family descendants Jeff Marshall and Jessi LaRue unveiled the marker to the community. 

Haish family descendants Jeff Marshall and Jessi LaRue unveil the Jacob Haish historical marker on June 17, 2017. | Photo by Christopher LaRue

Jeff Marshall and Jessi LaRue, Haish family descendants, unveil the historical marker. Jacob Haish is Marshall's 3rd great uncle, and LaRue's 4th great uncle. | Photo by Christopher LaRue

A photo of all Haish descendants that were in attendance that day was also taken.

Haish family descendants Jeff Marshall and Jessi LaRue pose by DAAHA's latest historical marker. | Photo by Christopher LaRue

Some Haish family descendants pose by the Jacob Haish historical marker. | Photo by Christopher LaRue

DAAHA also acknowledged the generous contributions of the following individuals and organizations whose gifts made the marker possible:

Pat Barger

Gordon's Hardware

Kevin and Becky Haish

Steve Heinsohn

Historical Museum of Barbed Wire

Ronald Klein

Christopher and Jessi LaRue

Henry Leonard

Jeff Marshall

James Morel

John Nelson

Penny A. Rosenow Trust

James Stoddard

Delbert and Ruth Trew

Eldona Willrett

The Jacob Haish historical marker is now posted outside of the Haish Memorial Library/DeKalb Public Library on Oak Street in DeKalb. Click photo to enlarge. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

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