At left, Marcia Wilson helps her granddaughter, Amber Pigott, identify a clue during the Passport to Adventure History Scavenger Hunt on July 6. Center, Dillon, Kyle, Julia, Andrea and Chris of DeKalb, work on an old-time craft together. At right, board volunteer Rich DeMink helps Abbie Pigott spin the homemade button toy she made. (Photos by Kathy Vance Siebrasse)

  Glidden Homestead hosts adventure for children 

     Children of all ages visited the DeKalb home of barbed wire baron Joseph F. Glidden twice this summer, on July 6 and Aug. 3, for the season's special "Passport to Adventure" events.

     Children and parents put their detective skills to work finding hidden clues in the Barbed Wire Mystery Scavenger Hunt. They also enjoyed making a pioneer craft and playing old fashioned children's games like marbles. Oatmeal raisin cookies and apple juice were the day's treats.

    Passport to Adventure is a program of the DeKalb County Historical Genealogical Society supported by more than 20 local museums and libraries. A start-up grant was provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

    As part of the event at the Glidden Homestead, children obtain a Passport or bring one they've received at another participating site and have it stamped during their visit. Children and their parents are encouraged to visit all of the participating sites this summer to have their Passports stamped. 

      Most Passport to Adventure Sites will be having a "Passport to Adventure Day"  like the Glidden Homestead's  when fun activities for kids will be featured. Events  are listed in the  Passport booklet  and also on the website: www.dekalbcountypassport.org. You can get your booklet stamped at these events or any time you visit the site.
      
      The  Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is located at 921 W. Lincoln Hwy.,  just west of Burger King. It is the site where Glidden invented and first manufactured his 1874 patented "The Winner," one of the most widely-used types of barbed wire. 
  
 “The Glidden Homestead is one of DeKalb’s hidden gems and an important part of local history,” said Kathy Vance Siebrasse, board president.
     “Glidden’s invention is a true American story. His innovation not only affected DeKalb County, but it had far-reaching impact on the development of the American West and ultimately, the world,” said Vance Siebrasse.
      “We have a unique opportunity to develop the property as a center for education and innovation that secures its place in history and also enriches our area as a cultural destination point,” she said.
         Everyone is welcome to visit the Glidden Homestead.  Memberships in the organization help fund preservation efforts. For more information, call (815) 756-7904.