Our Main Lobby Display Case this month has been set up by the Glidden Homestead!
The display features information about Jacob Haish, in celebration of what would have been his 200th birthday on March 9th.
On Tuesday, March 10th, at 6:00 p.m., we’ll be hosting Glidden Homestead representatives—and Haish’s descendants—Jessi Haish LaRue and Jeff Marshall for a presentation about Haish’s life, community impact, and enduring influence.
An immigrant from Germany who arrived in the United States as a young boy, Haish built a successful career through barbed wire and other manufacturing ventures, including gasoline engines. His success allowed him to become one of DeKalb’s most generous early philanthropists. In his will, Haish specified that he desired his funds to provide a library and a hospital for his beloved DeKalb. His legacy includes establishing the Haish Memorial Library, supporting the DeKalb Hospital and what is now Kishwaukee Hospital, and offering substantial donations to local churches, schools, and civic causes. He also funded the library at the Northern Illinois State Normal School, known today as Northern Illinois University (NIU).
Stop by to learn more about the Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, and find information about their other upcoming events on Facebook and on their website.