Naper Nostalgia
Biography of Algernon Sidney Barnard: Illinois State Representative and Lisle Township Leader
Algernon Sidney Barnard was born February 11, 1819, in Mendon, Monroe County, New York, the son of Judge Timothy Henry Barnard Jr. and Julia...
Charles Edward Heydon: Naperville Grocer, Mason and School Board Member
Discover the remarkable life of Charles Edward Heydon, an influential Naperville baker, grocer, and dedicated civic leader.
Howard Henry Goodrich: Naperville Teacher, Lawyer, DuPage County States Attorney
Discover the life of Howard Henry Goodrich—teacher, lawyer, and DuPage County States Attorney—who shaped Naperville’s history through his legal career, civic leadership, and dedication to education and community service.
Long Time Lounge Factory and Kroehler Furniture Employee
Floyd Amos “Hiker” Squires Sr. was born February 9, 1882, in Baraboo, Sauk County, Wisconsin, the son of Amos Wilson Squires and Mary Ida...
Navy and Army Veteran, Postmaster Good
Sankey S. Good was born May 23, 1886, in Bernadotte, Fulton County, Illinois, the son of Rev. Daniel P. Good and Clara Manbeck. He...
Arthur R. Beidelman: Alderman, Commissioner, School Board Member
Arthur Robert Beidelman was born August 8, 1878, in Wheatland Township, Will County, Illinois, the son of Sylvester G. “West” Beidelman and Louisa Eichelberger.
Arthur...
President of the World’s Largest Furniture Manufacturer
Delmar Leroy Kroehler was born March 6, 1902, in Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois, the son of Peter Edward Kroehler and Josephine Lucille Stephens. Lucille...
New Naper Settlement Exhibit Showcases Innovative Tools Used by Kroehler Manufacturing Company
Naper Settlement’s new exhibit, “Selling Kroehler,” explores the impact of Kroehler Manufacturing Company, once known as “the world’s largest upholstered furniture maker.”
On view through...
Remembering a Civil War Veteran
For about four years, I have been writing biographical sketches of residents of Naperville for publication in Positively Naperville. For those of you who...
Township and Village Clerk, Alderman, Fire Marshall
Otto Heinrich Reiche was born February 22, 1865, in Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois, the son of Louis A. Reiche and Elizabeth Hiekel. He attended...
Naperville Landmark Has Been the Home to Naperville Woman’s Club for 100 Years
Photo by Davison Images
The Old Stone Church located at 14 S. Washington Street in downtown Naperville has been the clubhouse for the Naperville Woman’s...
Civil War Veteran, Chicago Board of Trade Commissioner, Naperville Postmaster
John Boyer Frost was born August 12, 1842, on a farm called “Bunker Hill” near Jonestown, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of 13 children of David Frost and Susanna Boyer. He came with his family to Naperville in April 1855.
Doctor and Alderman
Dr. William John Truitt M.D. was born October 26, 1867, in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, the son of David Smith Truitt and Rosetta...
Did you know? Naperville is graced with numerous references to U.S. Presidents
Above / The street named for President George Washington runs north to south in Naperville. Here Washington Street crosses Chicago Avenue near Jackson Avenue...
North Central College Professor
Guy Eugene Oliver Sr. was born on the family farm, January 22, 1884, in Minnesota City, Winona County, Minnesota, the son of Lynds Jones...
Photo Gallery / Memories of Jolly Old St. Nicholas
With photos that date back to portrayals of Father Christmas and Uncle Scrooge from "Christmas Memories" at Naper Settlement, we're forever grateful that Santa's...
Banker, Naperville City Commissioner and Treasurer
Walter Marion Givler was born May 17, 1866, in unincorporated Copenhagen, DuPage County, Illinois. He was the first child of David B. Givler and...
Civil War Vet, County Treasurer, Naperville Postmaster
Daniel N. Gross was born December 11, 1837, in Lisle Township, Cook County, Illinois, the son of Johann George Conrad Gross and Salome Dather.
He...
George Washington Inaugural Bible on display in Naperville
Update, Oct. 12, 2024 / The first 175 years of Freemasonry in Naperville, Illinois, was celebrated during a special rededication of the Lodge for...
Remember October as Fire Prevention Month
Fire Prevention week is observed nationally in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire which began on October 8, 1871. That fire killed more than...