Naper Nostalgia
The old swinging bridge over DuPage River
By Frank Osterland
Reprinted from Positively Naperville Vol. 1 No. 10, June 2002
“Last one across is a dirty rat!”
My friend was egging me on as...
Not everything is guaranteed to be true or accurate that is carved in stone
“Carved in stone” means that something is permanent or not able to be changed. However, in the case of Joseph Naper’s grave marker, this...
Growing up in Naperville – Leaders of the band
This year marks my 56th year as director of the Naperville Municipal Band—and I can remember my first concert as though it were yesterday.
We...
August Editor’s Notes / Dogs and Dog Days
Above / Back in 2012, Karl-the-Girl-Dog was among six dogs that joined McGruff-the-Crime-Dog to introduce the dog patio at Meson Sabika. (See group photo...
Joseph and Almeda Naper’s son-in-law (twice)
Cheney Moses Castle was born April 11, 1829, in Jericho, Chittenden County, Vermont, the son of Deacon Joel Castle and Aurelia Lane.
At the age...
Plaques throughout Fredenhagen Park, Riverwalk have been restored to enhance original shine
Thanks to the Naperville Riverwalk Foundation under the leadership of its president, John Cuff, tarnished plaques along the Riverwalk and throughout Fredenhagen Park have...
Growing up in Naperville – The 1812 Overture
Folks who attend the Thursday evening Naperville Municipal Band concerts are accustomed at seeing Ann Lord at the microphone, weaving her announcements and facts...
Civil War Vet, Alderman, Contractor and Builder
Naperville has a little-known tie to the most famous battle of the Civil War.
Born at Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 1837, Levi...
Growing up in Naperville – Lessons learned from haircuts to fishing
Above / Though Lake Osborne just west of the Naperville Public Safety Center on Aurora Avenue was not there when Ron Keller was a...
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...
Latest News
Local residents invite canine owners to ‘walk your dog down the aisle into history’
Naperville neighbors Deb Waite and Jen Dietz, both members of New Start Dog Rescue, invite dog owners to “walk your dog down the aisle...
