Naper Nostalgia
School’s out for summer
The second hand on the clock above the chalkboard seemed to tick backwards. It was the last day of school at Highlands Elementary, which...
Growing up in Naperville – Ron’s 78th Memorial Day Parade
April showers bring May flowers! How many times have you heard that very old statement?
For me, the month of May has many memories, the...
Merchant, Postmaster, Alderman, Mayor
Samuel Mather was born March 7, 1847, in Whallonsburgh, Essex County, New York. He was one of ten children of Joshua Emery Mather and...
Growing up in Naperville – Ramblin’ with Ron
Uncle Les and Aunt Edna Arnett are pictured at the rock garden at 616 N. Ellsworth Street. (Photo courtesy Ron Keller)
This month I may...
Blacksmith, Carriage Maker, Village Trustee
Every once in a while, I receive comments from readers about my articles. It’s encouraging to know others are enjoying my bios about Naperville's lesser-known...
Growing up in Naperville – Keller connections
When you’re young, like maybe 7 or 8 years old, you don’t think much about relatives or where they come from. As I was...
What’s in a name?
Have you ever wondered where the name originated for the Bay Scott Center at the northeast corner of 75th Street and Book Road?
Alvin "Bay"...
Growing up in Naperville – Class of ’57 Reunion
As many of us born in 1939 approach the 65th Naperville High School reunion, I found this recollection in my files that was written...
Meet early village president and merchant, D. C. Butler
Dewitt Clinton Butler was born August 27, 1825, in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont, the son of Roswell Butler and Ruth Worden.
He received a common...
Growing up in Naperville – Trip down memory lane features treasured teachers
I entered kindergarten at Ellsworth School right after Labor Day in 1944. My teacher was Miss Reynolds. However, after three weeks of school, we...
Naperville’s first mayor
James Joseph Heister Hunt was born Aug. 19, 1821, in Evansburgh, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, the son of Nelson James Hunt and Sarah Jewell.
He married...
Growing up in Naperville – Memories of Municipal Band, movies and malts
I know I’ve mentioned it in the past, but my mom and dad both played in the Naperville Municipal Band. Mom loved the classic...
Who is Ellsworth School and Ellsworth Street named after?
Lewis Ellsworth was born in Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, July 22, 1805, the son of Nathan Ellsworth and Betsey B. Palmer.
He moved to...
The first DuPage County Clerk
Hiram Hitchcock Cody was born June 11, 1824, in Vernon Center, Oneida County, New York, the son of Hiram Cody and Huldah Calantha Hitchcock.
...
James Wright built the mansion, perfect for Mesòn Sabika
The plaque at the front door to the restaurant now known as Mesòn Sabika states that the building was erected by James Wright for...
Who was Alexander McSwain Sheridan Riddler?
Alexander McSwain Sheridan Riddler was born March 1, 1837, in New York City, the second child of 13 born to John Jamieson Riddler and...
Riverwalk Reflections, 31-40, help tell a 40-year-old story
Above / Pete Dwyer, Naperville North ‘03, visited Naperville over Labor Day Weekend with his family, eager to show his wife and two children...
Riverwalk Reflections, 21-30, help tell a 40-year-old story
Above / This view from Eagle Street where the Riverwalk begins to venture west toward its final destination at the Jefferson Street Bridge is...
Meet a former principal, school superintendent and Naperville mayor
Francis Austin Kendall was born February 15, 1853, in Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana, the son of John Kendall and Margaretta Snyder.
His mother passed away...
Growing up in Naperville – The band shell
It is a matter of Naperville history that dating back to the early 1900s, there have been four band stands in our town.
The first...
Latest News
2022 Primary Election Results… Prepare to cast educated votes on Nov. 8…
What a beautiful day to get out the Primary vote! Get to know all candidates during the next four months before heading to the...
