Consider the morning of August 9, 2013, in downtown Naperville.  That Friday was sunny and seasonably mild.  Local news sources had reported the installation of a bronze sculpture in the likeness of  Captain Joseph Naper was scheduled that morning.
A small crew from the Department of Public Works had arrived at the corner of Jefferson at Mill streets by 8AM where a Hilti core drill and a box of adhesives with a large glue gun had been set aside near the stone wall marked with “Naper Homestead.” Â Barricades rested at the corner for the time mid-morning when the street needed to be closed to make way for a large crane.
Another crew from NCTV17 was setting up cable and cameras at the site in preparation to record the installation of a 1,500-pound bronze image of Joseph Naper to be placed where the sea captain had built his home and trading post at the corner of what is now Jefferson at Mill streets.
One by one, interested folks of all ages, including designer Dick Locher and his wife, Mary, began meeting with enthusiastic greetings at the site in anticipation of the arrival of the new sculpture which was traveling from St. Morris, a small town in northwest Illinois where noted sculptor Jeff Adams, owner of  inBronze Foundry, works his magic to create outdoor art.
Mindful of the colorful stories about the re-creation of Joe Naper’s original trek westward that had been interpreted for the city’s sesquicentennial in 1981, producers at NCTV17 wanted to document this adventure, too.  Back in 1831, Naper had traveled from Ashtabula, Ohio, aboard a schooner over the Great Lakes to Ft. Dearborn, two years before the fort on Lake Michigan became known as Chicago. Then by horseback and Conestoga wagon, Naper and families made their way through the prairie to the banks of the DuPage River.
By contrast, 182 years later, the larger-than-life bronze image was backtracking east along the Interstate to Naperville, high on a flatbed pulled by a pickup truck.
What’s in a name?
Joseph Naper was born in 1798 in Shaftsbury, Vermont. The Great Lakes Sea Captain who gave Naperville its name died on August 23, 1862, in the city he founded. Naper, his brother, John; his wife, Almeda; their families and other families arrived by Conestoga wagons on the banks of the DuPage River in 1831.
A few one-word descriptions of his adventurous endeavors include pioneer, visionary, surveyor, miller, Mason and soldier.
Other brief facts are that Captain Joe and his wife were parents of six children and grandparents to seven. Naper, a modest man, was elected to serve as School Superintendent, first President of the Village Board and State Legislator.
Though Naper’s extended family continued to move westward after a childhood in Naperville (A small town in the Great Plains—Naper, Nebraska—has local connections.), his example of trials and tribulations as well as service, charity and dedication to the community has been passed down to other risk-taking residents who continually arrive here to live and work.
Local leaders often tout his pioneer spirit, complete with challenges, for the success of this dynamic city. Known for its traditions hosted by many active service organizations and coupled with a rich history on exhibit at Naper Settlement, Naperville is modeled with teamwork and a collaboration of initiatives for worthwhile causes.
‘Joe Naper’ Dedication is August 23
On the anniversary of Joe Naper’s birthday, at 4PM Fri., Aug. 23, residents can gather for the dedication of the recently installed Joe Naper sculpture. Â The tall impressive artwork, first sketched on paper then designed into a wax maquette by legendary Dick Tracy artist Dick Locher, was later finished by inBronze sculptor Jeff Adams. The 1,500-pound, 9.5 ft. sculpture exemplifies enduring spirit as a testament to volunteerism and community service that continue to be the hallmarks of Naperville.
For information about all the activities, galleries, research library and upcoming events at Naper Settlement, visit www.napersettlement.com.
