Naper Nostalgia
Businessman, soldier, first fire marshal, village trustee, treasurer, and mayor
Willard Scott Jr. was born October 9, 1835, the son of Willard Scott Sr. and Caroline Hawley, in the Stephen J. Scott Settlement. The...
Sounds of bells in iconic Moser Tower still silent as New Year begins
Above / Moser Tower with a 72-bell carillon is located along the Naperville Riverwalk at 433 Aurora Avenue. (PN Photo, Dec. 31, 2022)
Updated Post,...
Naperville native remembers Christmas in the 1920s
By Frank Osterland
Appeared in Positively Naperville, December 2001
The Christmas season is a great time for memories.
I’m a native Napervillian, born on Dec. 7, 1916,...
Naperville rocks from West Wind to Riverwalk to North Central College
Above / At least one family of Naperville residents puts the big rock in their front yard to good use to celebrate all-American holidays!...
Holiday catalogs and toys from the 20th century to today on display in Naper Settlement’s new exhibit
Naper Settlement presents the history of the holiday season with images from vintage catalogs along with well-loved toys throughout the 20th century to today...
Consolidated Election Campaign kicks off for City Council / What’s the best way to get to know candidates?
Above / During every campaign season numerous local organizations plan public forums in order to inform voters where it matters most, right in the...
Growing up in Naperville – Sausage making
In mid-October my granddaughter, my wife and I continued a family tradition that was brought to Naperville from Germany in 1851!
My great-grandfather, Adam Keller,...
Naperville’s resident amateur photographer, merchant and first taxicab business owner
Eli Franklin Stark was born Aug. 23, 1873, on the family farm at 87th Street and Book Road in Wheatland Township, Will County, Illinois....
Doctor, alderman, library board president and more
Dr. John A. Bell was born March 19, 1838, in McConnelsville, Morgan County, Ohio. He was the son of John Bell and Margaret Scott....
Growing up in Naperville – Farm town to large suburb
Growing up in Naperville, I've watched a small blue collar, farming town become a large city in the suburbs of Chicago.
My great grandfather, Adam...
Growing up in Naperville – Correctly remembering the past
As a young boy growing up in Naperville—or any place else, for that matter—facts of events, things, experiences, if remembered, sometimes become a little...
Postmaster, Village Trustee and President, son of Joseph Naper
Robert Naper was born about 1825 in Ashtabula, Ashtabula County, Ohio, the first child of Captain Joseph Naper and Almeda Landon.
He came with his...
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...