Learn about Clinton Rosette at the Glidden Homestead

DeKALB – The life of DeKalb newsman Clinton Rosette is often news to area residents.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14, Barry Schrader will examine the life of DeKalb Chronicle founder Clinton Rosette in a program titled "Founder of the DeKalb Daily Chronicle – Clinton Rosette: His Politics and Power of the Press." Schrader will highlight Rosette’s work and his fiery style.

Clinton Rosette started the DeKalb Chronicle 140 years ago this year when he was not yet 30 years old. He was born in Paw Paw in 1850 and died in 1909. Rosette was an early advocate for a state teaching college to be located in DeKalb and is considered a founder of the Northern Illinois State Normal School (now NIU). A DeKalb middle school is named in his honor.

Schrader graduated from NIU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, was editor of three weeklies in Ogle County, then bought the Genoa Republican weekly in his hometown. He was part of the formation of DeKalb County Press which started the Sycamore Sun, then bought the True Republican and Sycamore Tribune. From 1969-72, he was editor of the Daily Chronicle. In retirement Schrader has written a column off and on for the Chronicle over the past 10 years called “DeKalb County Life.” He has authored two books of his 100 favorite columns: "Hybrid Corn & Purebred People, Volumes 1 & 2".

“2019 is the 140th anniversary of Clinton Rosette starting the Chronicle, but also it was 140 years ago this week that Joseph Glidden partnered with Rosette, becoming the publisher of the paper,” Rob Glover, executive director of Glidden Homestead, said in a news release. “Barry Schrader has a shared history with these men and the Chronicle and that, together with his deep knowledge of the press, always brings this era vividly alive.”

Also, from noon to 4 p.m. that day, visitors can tour the museum and the home where Joseph Glidden and his family lived when he created barbed wire and see a working onsite blacksmith shop. Programs at Glidden Homestead are made possible in part by the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lecture Fund.

The Glidden Homestead, located at 921 W. Lincoln Highway, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays or by special arrangement. Admission is $4 per adult and free for children younger than 14.

For more information, visit www.gliddenhomestead.org, email info@gliddenhomestead.org or call 815-756-7904.