Family Photos at the Haish Mansion

Parker comparing photos in the album to images of the Haish mansion in the book "From Oxen to Jets"

David James Parker, of Wisconsin, shared some wonderful photos from summer 1954. He shared: "My grandparents, the Spickermans, lived in the Haish Mansion briefly. They rented the beautiful home sometime after selling their previous house on Augusta Avenue and completing their new one on Linden Place in about 1954." What a wonderful moment in time, captured and now here for us to enjoy! Click photos to enlarge.

Jacob Haish's housekeeper, Anna Anderson, had been the owner of the home after Jacob until her death in 1953. There were temporary residents, such as the Spickermans, until the Haish trust put the mansion on the market in 1955. You can learn more about the Haish mansion's history here.

Parker writes:

"Grandpa took photos of everything. Vacations, events, friends, family, you name it -- grandpa loved cameras and taking photos. He also enjoyed history. He was one of the researchers who helped Mrs. Davy write 'From Oxen to Jets.' I was only about one-years-old the summer my grandparents lived in the Haish Mansion. But the beautiful home stood enough years after my birth that I remember it well. As kids my siblings and I could scarcely believe it when Grandma told us she lived there for a brief period of time. We often admired the home as my parents drove by it on our way to the library or other locations in that neighborhood." 

Caption from Parker: (L to R)
(leaning on my stroller)- Grandma Maryette Wallace Spickerman,
(seated on gargoyle) - Richard Weisheit, Shirley Spickerman Weisheit, Mom MaryLou Spickerman Parker, Oscar George “Jack” Weisheit, Jon Weisheit, and
(seated, looking back) - David James Parker (me)

Haish home far shot. Car belongs to J. A. “Art” Spickerman.

(L to R)
David & MaryLou Parker, Shirley, Jack and Richard Weisheit, Maryette Spickerman, Jon Weisheit

(L to R)
Shirley Weisheit, (seated on gargoyle) David Parker and Richard Weisheit, Maryette Spickerman, Jon Weisheit, MaryLou Parker, O.G. “Jack” Weisheit

On May 13, 1954, the Daily Chronicle shared a story about the Spickermans sharing the Haish home with the public, and how "women of this city who have had their curiosity aroused by the unique exterior of the building were glad of the opportunity to give coins of silver in return for a guided tour of the premises. Six fireplaces, floor to ceiling mirrors, murals, beautiful chandeliers, etched glass doors, painted windows, wood carvings and unusual hardware were some of the features exciting the admiration of the guests."

The monetary donations collected that day were to support the fund of the Congregational church in DeKalb.

After doing a little digging, I found this photo from the event: Printed in the May 27, 1954, Daily Chronicle, in which the Spickerman family was hosting the "reception committee for Group Two of the Congregational church, before conducting tours during a Silver Tea, was held in the upstairs sitting room at the Jacob Haish home, now occupied by Dr. and Mrs. J.A. Spickerman." Dr. Spickerman was a dentist.

Postcard Captures Haish Auditorium's Parade Float

This postcard was a special eBay find. At first glance, it appears to be just a parade float pulled by horses. With a closer look, you discover that it's advertising the Haish Auditorium!

Captioned "A Prize Winner, July 4, 1911, DeKalb, IL" this float was from the "Greatest Fourth in the History of DeKalb," according to the Daily Chronicle the following day. The horses and wagon appear to be parked at the corner of 8th and Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

The Haish Auditorium (an opera house he had built, there is an incredible photo here) is referenced throughout the float: on the pennants on the wagon, "the house of feature shows," a projector on the back of the wagon, and the advertisement draped on the horse: "Compliments of Haish Auditorium. Free show this afternoon."

Thanks to Rob Glover for the newspaper articles.

Upcoming Program: Jacob Haish, Immigrant & Philanthropist

The JF Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, in partnership with the DeKalb Public Library, will host a special public program on March 10, 2026, at 6 PM at the DeKalb Public Library to celebrate the 200th birthday of Jacob Haish, one of DeKalb’s most influential figures.

"Jacob Haish: Immigrant and Philanthropist,” will highlight the remarkable life of Haish, widely known for his role in the early innovation of barbed wire—but whose story reaches far beyond this achievement.

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).

“Jacob Haish gave so much of himself to the community he loved,” said Jessi Haish LaRue, Executive Director of the Glidden Homestead. “His story is often overshadowed by barbed wire history, but his life was far richer and more complex. This bicentennial is a chance to remember not just his innovations, but his generosity, his vision, and the legacy that still shapes DeKalb today.”

LaRue, along with Haish family descendant Jeff Marshall, will share these lesser-known stories about Haish’s life, community impact, and enduring influence. Following the presentation, Emily Faulkner, Executive Director of the DeKalb Public Library, will guide attendees on a tour of the historic Haish Memorial Library. To mark the bicentennial celebration, birthday treats will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information contact 815-756-7904 or jessi@gliddenhomestead.org.

Haish Mansion in Gingerbread

It's the Jacob Haish mansion in gingerbread!

Ron Lincoln, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a member of the Antique Barbed Wire Society. As an architect, he enjoys building gingerbread houses during the holiday season. He has previously created the Glidden Homestead; this year, it was the home of barbed wire baron Jacob Haish. We are impressed! Thanks to Ron for sharing with us.

Haish features at Barbed Wire Weekend 2024

In September 2024, the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center proudly hosted "Barbed Wire Weekend," a three-day event that celebrated the 150th anniversary of Joseph F. Glidden's patent for "The Winner" barbed wire. This event brought barbed wire collectors and spectators from 11 states, and featured a dinner at the historic Glidden Homestead, a bus tour that highlighted the barbed wire sites of DeKalb, and a two-day barbed wire expo in partnership with the Antique Barbed Wire Society at the beautiful Altgeld Hall at Northern Illinois University.

I was wearing many hats that weekend, as executive director of the Glidden Homestead, but also as a Haish family descendant and lover of the barbed wire story. Below are just a few photos from that monumental weekend.

Better late than never...

A full bus tour for the Barbed Wire Trail!

A somber stop at the parking lot where the Haish mansion once stood.

A stop at the Haish Monument in Fairview Cemetery

Haish family descendant Jeff J. Marshall led the tour through the Barb City

From the bus tour book

The barbed wire expo was held at Altgeld Hall at NIU

Pipe cleaner barbed wire

Haish rail

The exhibitors of Barbed Wire Weekend