On Saturday, October 21, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hopkins Park Terrace Room, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, the nonprofit J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center will host its fundraiser “Uncle Joe’s Jubilee.” In 1873 Joseph created what would become the most commercially successful barbed wire in the world, known as “The Winner,” which also earned him the title of “The Father of Barbed Wire.” In his lifetime, locals lovingly referred to Glidden (1813-1906) as “Uncle Joe” for his many philanthropic contributions to DeKalb, including allowing the passage of the railroad through his property, a hospital, and even donating the land for today’s Northern Illinois University.
Dinner will be catered by Country Store & Catering from Sycamore, and there will be a raffle that includes hand-crafted items, Chicago Cubs tickets, and Egyptian Theatre tickets. The Glidden Homestead has partnered with Kishwaukee Valley Art League (KVAL), whose artists created artworks inspired by the Homestead and grounds. These works will be available for purchase during the evening, with a portion of proceeds directly benefiting the Homestead museum.
Baritone Harrison Hintzsche and pianist Travis Erikson, both from DeKalb, will present a variety of entertaining songs, ranging from the late 19th century to present day, tracking the life of the Glidden Homestead, which will include songs by Stephen Foster, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hammerstein, and others.
Tickets to this event are $45 per person, $80 for 2, or a table of 8 for $320. Tickets can be purchased by calling 815-756-7904, emailing info@gliddenhomestead.org, visiting www.GliddenHomestead.org, or by visiting the museum, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, on Sundays between 12-4 PM. Operations of the Homestead are funded through events like its annual fundraiser and are critical to the continued preservation and development of the Homestead, recognized with two National Register of Historic Places sites. In September 2024 the Homestead will celebrate the 150th anniversary of “The Winner” patent by hosting a nationwide barbed wire exposition show.
This event is generously sponsored by Ron Klein, Turner Law Group, Mason Properties, Kenda & Bill Jeske, Resource Bank, Glidden Florist, DeKalb Burger King, Anderson Funeral Home, Keg & Kernel, First State Bank, Responsive Roofing, and Adolph Miller Real Estate.