In 1996, after curating an exhibit for the Peoria Historical Society about its distilling and brewing history, I wrote my first book Peoria Spirits. A...
In 2012, an abandoned tombstone was found under a cooler in the basement of The Lantern restaurant, formerly the Rainbow Café. The stone is now mounted in a cas...
When we avoid an unfortunate incident or we need a little luck, some of us say, “Knock on wood,” and we tap a piece of wood or our heads if wood cannot be found...
“Six Naperville Residents Made Naturalized Citizens” was the headline in the June 22, 1939, issue of the Naperville Clarion. Becoming a citizen of the United St...
Above / Laura Rott and her younger sister Rita Lisson reminisce with fond memories of a lifetime together in Naperville. On July 25, 2018, Laura Rott joins a gr...
While Illinois was celebrating its Centennial of Statehood in 1918, Charles William Friedrich was establishing himself in the Naperville furniture and funeral d...
Above / Stroll the Naperville Riverwalk with peaceful reflection any day to find "What We Need."
To PN: (What's Next for the Naperville Riverwalk? Stor...
Last month, in preparation for new construction, developer Dwight Avram removed the Mid-Century Modern addition to the old Nichols Library. According to the boa...
Have you ever read the poem, “What We Need” engraved on a grey, granite stone located on the Riverwalk?
Did you know that the eight-line poem was once a 22-l...
Above / Find architectural and historic value in preserving the original footprint and exterior of the 1898 Nichols Library, pictured here with Veterans Valor, ...
Above / Since 2006, the Pavilion at Meson Sabika has been a perfect setting for popular fundraising events, including Spring for a Cure. The "Red Tie Event" has...
Above / Independent business such as Naper Auto Works on Mill Street celebrate Irish heritage. Note other local businesses with roots in Ireland such as Casey's...
In 1909, a local pastor, wishing to take advantage of a new wave of local spiritual enthusiasm, traveled to Chicago to confer with area YMCA officials about org...
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable has been recognized as the first permanent settler (1790) and “Founder” of Chicago. Little is known of his birth or early life prio...
The Ordinance of 1787 (a modification of Thomas Jefferson’s Land Ordinance of 1784) is considered one of the most important pieces of legislation enacted by the...
Recently I was asked by the Culinary Historians of Northern Illinois to speak at their first anniversary meeting. Our hosts, John and Deb Lorentson, have beauti...
I recently returned from a “leaf peeping” trip to Vermont. Unlike the many thousands of tourists flocking to New England to view the brilliant colors of the lea...
Last month’s Naperville City Council decision to landmark the Old Nichols Library will long be remembered as one of the most significant victories for grass roo...
This is the story about two Bells. One is a doctor and the other is an architect.
J. A. Bell
Dr. John A. Bell was born in Ohio in 1838 and came to Illino...
