Haish's "S" barb fence wire advertisement postcard

front of the postcard

The front side of the postcard reads: 

Forbidden Fruit. Can't get through Haish's fence.

"Papa uses the Haish Barb Fence. No danger for players here. Just look on the other side."

"I use the 'S' barb. No more dog fence for me. I have trained my dog for sporting."

back of the postcard

The reverse side of the postcard reads: 

"Jacob Haish, manufacturer of Haish's 'S' barb fence wire, patented August 31, 1875. DeKalb, Ill.

Barb Fast on Both Wires.

To the farmer and stock-raiser, a complete fence is a constant benefit; hence the pleasure afforded the inventor in offering to the entire country the enamel 'S' barb fence, which meets all the requirements of a stock fence. This assertion is made at the instance of many of the best farmers throughout the West, who witness to its perfect efficiency as a stock-proof fence, from the following facts: Two wires make a good stock-proof fence costing about 40 cents per rod. It requires less posts, less labor, and is built for less money than any other good wire fence. Stock never make a second attempt to get through it. (Use Haish's Wire Tightener, because it stretches the wire each way, and remains on the fence and can be turned with a wrench or crank.) It can be tightened with any wire strainer. The strain is equal upon both wires, lessening the liability of breaking. It is slightly twisted, so as not to weaken the wire. The enameling renders it absolutely rust-proof. THE BARBS PASS AROUND BOTH WIRES AND CANNOT TURN. The spread of the wires between the barbs preserves its tension. It is made of the best No. 12 steel wire. Breaking Strain is 100 per cent, over common annealed wire. It weighs 17 ounces to the rod, coiled on spools, weighing from 70 to 100 pounds, ready for shipment to any part of the globe. This fence gives the best satisfaction of any Barb Fence ever used.

The last consideration is the solid comfort the stock-raiser enjoys when relieved from the anxiety of watching crops, by using the 'S' barb fence. He rests peacefully at night and the heart throbs with an even beat as he quietly turns over."

Haish wire at Arizona museum

Steven Johnson spotted Jacob Haish wire on display at the Courthouse Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. 

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Haish wire spotted at the Courthouse Museum in Tombstone, AZ. | Photo by Steven Johnson

Haish Factory Changes

"S" barb wire sample as displayed at the Ellwood House Museum. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The below article was published in the Aug. 2, 1889 edition of the Sycamore True Republican:

HAISH FACTORY CHANGES

The consummation of a plan long cherished by Jacob Haish was realized last week when the organization of the Haish Wire & Implement Co. was completed. The concern is capitalized at $100,000 and will control and operate both of Mr. Haish's manufacturing enterprises in DeKalb, the wire fence factory and the implement works, now being rebuilt.

Of the capital stock Mr. Haish retains $50,000 and Mrs. Haish $10,000. The balance $40,000, he gives outright to those in his employ fifteen years or more, the distribution being made on the basis of the relative importance of the positions held by them.

Exclusive of Mr. and Mrs. Haish, the stockholders number fifteen, all of whom, with one exception, have served the requisite number of years. Their names are given as follows: C.H. Salisbury, B.S. White, Fred Westerberg, Fred W. Smith, J.F. Berquist, Peter Lindberg, Erik Anderson, Ole Nelson, Andrew Anderson, August Johnson, John P. Anderson, E.F. Collins, Andrew Nelson, Carl Swanson and J. Nelson.

At a meeting held at the office the last of the week the following officers and directors were chosen: President Jacob Haish; vice-president and secretary, C.H. Salisbury; treasurer B.S. White; S.A. Haish and Fred W. Smith. In making this disposition of his industrial enterprises Mr. Haish provides for the perpetuation of the great business which he gave the best years of his life to building up and he rewards the old and faithful employees who aided him in the work.