Highsmith founder, Hugh Highsmith, dies

Hugh Highsmith, founder of Highsmith Co. Inc., one of the country's premier suppliers to schools and libraries, died June 7 at the age of 94. Highsmith started the company in 1956, after ten years as president of NASCO, and the company soon began mail order marketing of books, supplies and furnishings to schools and public libraries. In 1965, the company built a facility near Fort Atkinson that served as corporate headquarters for more than four decades, and at one time employed more than 270 people. Highsmith served as company president until 1987, when he was succeeded by his son Duncan. In addition to his business acumen, Highsmith was known for his charitable and civic endeavors, including service on the board of directors of the Dwight Foster Public Library. Read the full obituary...