Remembering my great grandpa

On Christmas morning, my great grandpa Artie passed. He had turned 92 years old in October. Although we live almost 8 hours apart, I always felt an immediate connection with him every time I was fortunate enough to visit. There were a lot of those familiar “Haish traits,” and to think that so many of them came directly from him— the drive to work hard, be stubborn and honest but loving, and the ability to exaggerate a story like you’d never believe— was special. He always had a big smile and restless energy. 

In spring 2016 after a visit with him, I came home, opened a new blog website and typed "A Twist in History: The Jacob Haish Story." My visit with him that weekend piqued my curiosity (even more) into my family history. It was a project I'd been debating starting for a while, but seeing his interest in it sealed the deal. He always told me he couldn’t wait to read my Jacob Haish book. I didn’t get it done in time for him to read it, but as time passes and I continue to work on it, he will be in my thoughts. 

I’ll always think fondly of my memories with my “grandpa Artie,” from watching “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV to talking about old family photos around the kitchen table. I’m happy he was able to meet my husband Chris and give him the nod of approval. 

I’m so sad that he is gone but very grateful for the time we had together.

Arthur Vernon Haish, 1930-2022

Haish blog interview with Artie Haish

Haish Memorial Library postcard

 

Personal update: I'm at Glidden!

What a crazy year it has been!

In April, I accepted the role of executive director of the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center in DeKalb, IL. This is truly my dream job, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to enthusiastically share the story of Glidden, barbed wire, and DeKalb's history.

I briefly wondered if my new role at Glidden Homestead (the home of my fourth great uncle's biggest competitor) would pull me away from my study of Jacob Haish. However, if anything, it has allowed me even more opportunites to learn about the barbed wire story, my relative included. 

I'm so happy to be a part of the local history scene and museum life. I'm honored to have the opportunity to share the stories of both Jacob Haish and Joseph Glidden, and will continue to do so.

Happy to have you along for the ride as well! Thanks for reading.

-Jessi Haish LaRue

Article: Haish kindred fight to break $800,000 will

Orrin Merritt of the Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society reached out with this note and image:

"I was accessing a book into our collection today and ran across an interesting news article, stuck between the pages, about Jacob Haish's will."

Click image to enlarge

To read more about Haish's will, click HERE

"Rattler" wire fence stretcher

"The Rattler" wire fence stretcher | Photo by Jessi LaRue

This wire fence stretcher, called "The Rattler" was patented by Jacob Haish in 1882 and was produced by his manufacturing company. 

Wire stretchers were essential for installing barbed wire, as they ensured that the wire had the proper amount of tension. 

Click here for information on the patent for Haish's wire stretcher, which he would market as "The Rattler."