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."

Lecture Series Presents “Exploring Jacob Haish”

DeKALB – In 1875, Jacob Haish secured a patent for his “S Barb” wire design, claiming his spot as one of DeKalb’s “Barbed Wire Barons,” and a role in the development of the west.

While mostly known for his contribution to the barbed wire industry, Haish also patented and manufactured farming implements and was a banker. He left most of his fortune to the city of DeKalb, resulting in the public library and much more.

On Thursday, April 7, Jessi Haish LaRue, a Haish family descendant, will present and discuss “new” artifacts and research related to this lesser-known barbed wire entrepreneur. LaRue has been researching in the Joiner History Room since fall 2021 in an effort to make Haish-related items more accessible to the public and creating conversation regarding Haish’s impact.

The lecture, titled “Adventures in Research: Exploring Jacob Haish,” is part of Brown Bag Lunch/Local Lore, a collaboration between the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center. 

The free one-hour program will take place at noon at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street in Sycamore. A virtual option is also available. To register, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org. 

Brown Bag Lunch/Local Lore is funded in part by the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lecture Fund.