Above / That’s “Big Joe,” the largest of 72 bells in the Millennium Carillon, on parade to show the community its size before it was lifted up in the bell tower. Big Joe was funded in part with coins collected by local school children back in 1999. Named to honor Captain Joe Naper who arrived here in 1831, the bell weighs 5.8 tons, and is known to toll on the hour. (PN File Photo)
Here it’s the merry month of May and we’re still pondering all that’s happened since last year. Just 12 months ago our light-hearted front page asked, “Mother may I tell silly dad jokes, play childhood games, jump rope double-dutch, work jigsaw puzzles, go bass fishing and explore the great outdoors?”
And since that time plenty was taken seriously during the General Election in November, then in the local Consolidated Election campaigns last month. Results from national, state and local votes remind us of resilience and a quote from American wit, philosopher and publisher Elbert Hubbard (1856- 1915), “Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.”
That said, with an abundance of curiosity, it’s likely we’ll forever wonder just how we ended up here looking toward America’s 250th birthday in 2026 and Naperville’s bi-centennial in 2031.
During a recent walk along the Riverwalk with a much younger friend, a question came up about local culture. She suggested it might be beneficial for PN to include more stories regarding Naperville’s rich history and how good things happened here. Perhaps more forty-somethings, she posited, would feel responsible to embrace that can-do spirit.
Funny, during our nearly 25 years of publishing, we oftentimes think presenting this city’s storied history with so many passionate citizens making things happen is all we’ve been doing in print and online. While we’re confident repetition is the way to learn and remember, we’re also mindful that some readers chide us for our resounding theme. What’s a local publication striving to be upbeat to do?
Certainly we’re mindful that risk-takers in this community have had deep roots in recognizing unmet needs, solving problems and finding ways to meet the challenges that unite us—even among imperfections. Decade after decade since 1831, Naperville has evolved from a small farm town along the DuPage River, always changing, and growing to be one recognized among the best known and safest cities with a population of 150,000 in the U.S.
Meetings. Meetings. Meetings!
Local residents meet, greet, plan, study and educate each other via service clubs, nonprofit boards as well as City boards and commissions. This community aims continually to improve the quality of life that attracted folks to this active community in the first place.
For instance, around 27 years ago when ideas for a bell tower and a labyrinth were first pitched as millennium projects, hundreds of folks came together. Some had a vision to create a large musical instrument that would stand for the future, a symbol for the new millennium. The iconic tower later was built and named Moser Tower in memory of Margaret and Harold Moser. We recall the evening when thousands of residents descended on Rotary Hill to hear the bells ring for the first time in concert with the Naperville Municipal Band and the Naperville Men’s Glee Club. And just last month, Moser Tower was illuminated blue for Autism Awareness, then green for Earth Day and Arbor Day.
To please another group associated with Celebration 2000, a labyrinth was set in bricks as the floor for the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Walk the path and you’ll have walked the length of a football field, 120 yards.
Almost two decades earlier, the Riverwalk was built to commemorate the city’s sesquicentennial in 1981. Winding brick paths welcome brisk walkers and slow strollers right in the heart of the central business district. We often observe visitors pausing to remark about the Dick Tracy Century Walk sculpture, Exchange Club Veterans Plaza, Moser covered bridges, Fredenhagen Park as well as commemorative bricks and benches.
Moving right along, the full bloom of spring is arriving cooler and a little later than normal this year. Yet, upon reflection, its delay provides a chance to look at the strong structure of this nationally-recognized Tree City and to be mindful of its striking emphasis on parks and cultural amenities that have withstood uncertain times.
As we finish up our May commentary, trees are blooming beautifully, likely to be green by Memorial Day. And a special committee, led this year by Past VFW Commander Leo Jaime, is dedicated to many observances planned that day, too. That schedule is listed on the front page.
And we wonder, Mother may I suggest finding a spot along the Memorial Day Parade route? Thank you for remembering.
– Stephanie Penick
PN Publisher
