William Furry / Tuesday, May 23, 2017 / Categories: General News Jacob Haish historical marker dedication PRESS RELEASE DAAHA TO Dedicate JACOB HAISH STATE Historical Marker Release: Immediately Media Contact: DAAHA, Donna Langford (815) 756-9760, or daaha.inc@gmail.com DeKalb, IL. May 23, 2017 - DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) today announced plans to dedicate on June 17 a State of Illinois historical marker recognizing yet another example of local agricultural innovation that has had national impact. The marker recognizes the many inventive and civic contributions of Jacob Haish of DeKalb, one of the early inventors and manufacturers of barbed wire. Before the invention of barbed wire, cattle were able to roam freely, destroying crops and creating hazards for railroads. As a result, development of the American west was hindered. While attending the DeKalb County Fair in 1873 Haish saw a patented wood fence with protruding metal barbs intended to discourage animals from breaking through the enclosure. From this he got the idea of creating wire fence that incorporated barbs. In 1875, Haish was awarded a patent for his “S” barbed wire design. Haish started manufacturing S barbed wire in 1874 and built a two-story factory in 1881 that produced 30 tons of barbed wire per day. He also donated generously to the betterment of DeKalb, contributing funds for a hospital and the public library. Together with his barbed-wire rivals Joseph Glidden and Isaac Ellwood, he was instrumental in bringing Northern Illinois State Normal School to DeKalb, now Northern Illinois University. The marker will be placed at the DeKalb Public Library, once known as the Haish Memorial Library, located at 309 Oak Street in DeKalb. The dedication ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM and the public is invited to attend. DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (www.DAAHA.org) was formed as a local non-profit in 2010. It exists to help foster an awareness of and appreciation for the great heritage of agricultural innovation that has made this area of Illinois the “Silicon Valley” of game-changing ag technology. This marker represents the seventh in a series of markers that DAAHA is developing under the auspices of the Illinois State Historical Society’s historical marker program to recognize these great achievements. “Given the very significant economic impact of barbed wire nationally, it is fitting that this marker recognizes the contributions of Jacob Haish as a major milestone in ag innovation. A project like this requires the support, hard work and sustained efforts of a number of individuals and entities. It is gratifying to see these efforts coming together in a way that will benefit our community for years to come,” said DAAHA board president, Norm Larson. “We are particularly appreciative of support for this project from more than 15 generous donors who provided funds for this marker, as well as the Illinois State Historical Society, the board of the DeKalb Public Library, the City of DeKalb, and members of the DAAHA marker committee, whose cooperation made this marker possible.” Previous Article Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Spring 2017 Next Article Illinois Heritage, May–June 2017 Print 4580 Rate this article: No rating Please login or register to post comments.