As the 150th anniversary of Joseph F. Glidden’s “The Winner” barbed wire patent approaches, there are opportunities to learn more about the prosperity and innovation that barbed wire brought to DeKalb, earning it the nickname “Barb City.”

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, the Glidden Homestead and Barb City Manor will host a “Built by Barbed Wire” program at Barb City Manor, 680 Haish Boulevard.

This program, which is free and open to the public, will share the history of the building that was built with major contributions from barbed wire barons Joseph F. Glidden, Jacob Haish and Isaac Ellwood.

Former Barb City Manor administrators Ellen Tyne and Maureen Gerrity will share a history of both Barb City Manor and the previous Glidden Hospital. Then accompany BCM executive director Sarah Davis for a tour and behind-the-scenes look at the historic building, including historic plaques and nods to DeKalb’s barbed wire barons throughout the building.

Barb City Manor is a not-for-profit retirement home for senior citizens age 62 and older, with a mission to serve low to moderate income seniors in safety and comfort.

At his death in 1906, Joseph F. Glidden bequeathed $20,000 to build the Glidden Memorial Hospital. Funds also came from the Clinton Rosette estate, as well as contributions from Jacob Haish and the Isaac Ellwood family. The hospital transitioned to retirement living in 1979, and Barb City Manor is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Glidden’s “The Winner” patent, the most widely-used barbed wire in the world, which also earned Glidden the title “The Father of Barbed Wire.” September 28-29, the Glidden Homestead will celebrate by hosting a barbed wire exposition show “Barb City’s Barbed Wire Weekend” in coordination with the Antique Barbed Wire Society, and other community-wide events. Visit www.barbedwireweekend.com to learn more.

For more information contact Jessi Haish LaRue, Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, at jessi@gliddenhomestead.org or 815-756-7904.