Happenings at the Homestead

February 2025

We have so much to tell you.

Glidden Barn Flooring + Posts Project: FUNDED!
In October we announced "Brick by Brick," an ongoing fundraising effort to support further restoration of the historic Glidden barn, where "The Winner" barbed wire was invented! We outlined Phase One projects to tackle, including a very important project of reinforcing and installing additional support posts, and installing a wood plank flooring to make the barn usable. Well, thanks to incredible donor support, the post and flooring project has been FULLY FUNDED! Thank you!
We will keep you updated as the work on this project begins and progresses. We are thrilled to see this major step forward in making the barn a usable space, furthering the story and mission of the Homestead. We cannot thank our supporters enough.

Buddy joins the GH Board of Directors
Focused on the cultural history of the United States from the Civil War to the present day, Wm. R. “Buddy” Avila, PhD, assesses how artifacts of popular and material culture both reflect and respond to events of major historical significance. Born and raised in Lombard, Illinois, Buddy is a public historian, curator, and educator who has worked in local history museums throughout the Chicagoland area including the Lombard Historical Society, the DuPage County Historical Museum, the Museums at Lisle Station Park, the Flagg Township Museum, and the Blackwell History of Education Museum. As an interdisciplinary researcher, Dr. Avila holds a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University, MA and BA degrees in History from Northern Illinois University, and Graduate Certificates in Museum Studies, Women’s Studies, and Ethnic Studies. A former fellow of the Smithsonian Latino Center, Buddy has developed a variety of museum exhibitions and programming in addition to teaching university courses on the subjects of American history, Ethnic Studies, and Classical Mythology. He currently serves as the Historic Site Caretaker of the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb.

While he was not born and raised in DeKalb, Buddy has spent many years living here; first as an undergraduate student, then as a graduate student, and now, finally, as a professional in the working world. Over the course of those many years, he has come to think of DeKalb as something of a second hometown. Because of his affection for the city, and its historical legacy which he has come to know and love, he looks forward to serving on the Homestead board and working with its members to guarantee the preservation of the Glidden Homestead, its story, and its place in American history for future generations of residents and visitors.

Marcia joins the GH Board of Directors
Marcia Wilson is no stranger to the Glidden Homestead board, having worked FOR them as the first executive director from 2009 through 2014. She feels like she’s coming home in joining this enthusiastic group of leaders who have fostered growth, built awareness beyond DeKalb, and fueled momentum in the intervening years.

Her interest in local history began 25 years ago when she was hired by the DeKalb County Historical-Genealogical Society to produce their quarterly magazine, Cornsilk. Since then, she has served on the DCHGS board, North Grove School Association board, volunteered at the Joiner History Room, and currently serves on the board of directors of Leland Historical Society. Marcia’s other interests include genealogy, quilting, traveling, pickleball, and spending time with family. She looks forward to being a part of the exciting expansion in the Homestead’s future.

Current GH board members Lori Hintzsche and Linda Fulton renewed their board terms this year. Thank you!

Date Night Was a Fun Trip Back in Time!
Our guests of Glidden's 1873 Date Night (a SOLD-OUT event!) were transported back in time at the Glidden Homestead! All of the photos are now in an album on Facebook. Check them out, especially the very serious, time period appropriate couple photos! You can see a video from this event here.
Thank you to our sponsor: Kunes Auto Mall of Sycamore!
Thank you to those who donated prizes: Cracker Jax, Waterman Winery, and the Glidden Homestead blacksmiths.
Thank you to LaLa's Bagels for the delicious sweets, and Willrett Flower Company for donating flowers for our couples!
Also thank you to Maggie our photographer, and our lovely guests for joining us! We can't wait to do this again!

Can You Help Us?
We are seeking volunteers for projects at the Homestead. Would you be a good fit?

Front Desk Assistance on Sundays 
Oral History Projects
Tour Guides/Docents on Sundays

Respond to this email or call 815-756-7904 if you would like to learn more.

Renew or Become a GH Member!
Homestead memberships run from January through December of each year. Join or renew today to support local history, and receive free admission to events such as Soup-er Sundays!
Click here to learn more

Glidden Guest DJ
The Glidden Homestead is appearing as Guest DJ on WDKB on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 AM all year long. We're excited to regularly share all the Homestead Happenings with the community! Tune in or check out the podcast here.

Support Community Cleat Closet!
We are asking for your support: our executive director Jessi is part of this year's DeKalb Chamber Leadership Academy. To fulfill their graduation requirements, academy students must organize a community project. Jessi is part of the group organizing the DeKalb Community Cleat Closet in partnership with DeKalb County United 
This exciting new initiative that aims to make youth sports more accessible and affordable for families in our community, The Community Cleat Closet is a donation and trade-in program for gently used soccer cleats. Many families face high costs each season, especially as young athletes quickly outgrow their shoes. Our goal is to create a sustainable solution by providing an opportunity for families to receive quality, lightly-used cleats at no cost, ensuring everyone has access to quality footwear free of charge.
Donation bins are going out to various locations across the DeKalb/Sycamore area. Drop-off locations are open until March 3 and include these places:
DeKalb Sports & Rec Center - 1765 S 4th St.
Sycamore Park District Community Center - 480 Airport Rd.
DeKalb High School - 501 West Dresser Rd.
Sycamore High School Athletics - 427 Spartan Trail

In March we’ll have information about distribution of the cleats. Thanks for your support of local leadership projects!