A Twist in History: Roger Alexander

Sunday, October 1, 2017

More Haish mansion photos unearthed

Remember Sycamore resident Roger Alexander? As a teenager in July 1961, he took what may be some of the last photos of the Haish mansion. He shared some of his photos last year, and they were posted here.

Alexander just discovered more photos from that day in summer 1961, and they are below, posted with his permission.

Alexander said the woman who led him through the house told him that "each of the fireplaces were made from marble from five continents."

He added, "I am sorry to say I wasn't much of a photographer back then, but they do give a feel for what was lost."

Details of the Haish mansion. | Photo by Roger Alexander

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Find of the Week: Haish Mansion Interior Photos

Details of the Haish mansion. | Photo by Roger Alexander

Eighteen year old Roger Alexander was just an aspiring photographer when he placed a phone call to ask if he could photograph the inside of the Haish mansion.

The year was 1961; the mansion, located on the corner of Third and Pine Streets in DeKalb, was set to be demolished in just two weeks. Alexander, of Sycamore, used his Kodak Brownie to take the photos below. He said he was fond of the home.

Alexander remembers hearing stories about the European artists who lived onsite until they finished painting the murals in the home. He also recalls seeing a fireplace in every room.

Details of the Haish mansion. | Photo by Roger Alexander

Both the Ellwood and Haish mansions had been on the market by this time, but only the Ellwood House had a buyer. After seeing the interior of the Haish mansion, Alexander agreed with the majority of the community who said the home needed a lot of repairs in order to stay open.

"But [the Haish house] was no different than the Ellwood House at the time," Alexander said. "They both needed repairs, they both should have been saved."