Naper Nostalgia
The History Detective – Knock on wood, Naperville
When we avoid an unfortunate incident or we need a little luck, some of us say, “Knock on wood,” and we tap a piece...
The History Detective – The Naperville melting pot
“Six Naperville Residents Made Naturalized Citizens” was the headline in the June 22, 1939, issue of the Naperville Clarion. Becoming a citizen of the...
The Curious Curator – A Century (plus) Business
While Illinois was celebrating its Centennial of Statehood in 1918, Charles William Friedrich was establishing himself in the Naperville furniture and funeral director business....
Greetings to PN – June 2018 – Volume 17, No. 10
Above / Stroll the Naperville Riverwalk with peaceful reflection any day to find "What We Need."
To PN: (What's Next for the Naperville Riverwalk? Story)...
The Curious Curator – More stories on Old Nichols
Last month, in preparation for new construction, developer Dwight Avram removed the Mid-Century Modern addition to the old Nichols Library. According to the board...
The Curious Curator – A Little More and a Little Less
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...
Old Nichols Schedule of Demolition Update with Photos
Above / Find architectural and historic value in preserving the original footprint and exterior of the 1898 Nichols Library, pictured here with Veterans Valor,...
‘Red Tie Event’ returns to Pavilion at Meson Sabika on April 13
Above / Since 2006, the Pavilion at Meson Sabika has been a perfect setting for popular fundraising events, including Spring for a Cure. The...
The Curious Curator – A little Naperville ‘Herstory’
Do you know these women?
Hadassah Trask, Caroline Hawley, Clarissa Stewart, Almeda Langdon, Betsy Goff, Amy Naper, Sarah Hawley, Polly Taylor, Sibelia Riddler, or Elizabeth...
The Irish population in Naperville
Above / Independent business such as Naper Auto Works on Mill Street celebrate Irish heritage. Note other local businesses with roots in Ireland such...
The Y – Happy Birthday, YMCA!
In 1909, a local pastor, wishing to take advantage of a new wave of local spiritual enthusiasm, traveled to Chicago to confer with area...
The Curious Curator – DuSable and DuPage
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable has been recognized as the first permanent settler (1790) and “Founder” of Chicago. Little is known of his birth...
The Curious Curator – Yes, Virginia, there is a State of Illinois
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...
The Curious Curator – DuPage County Eats
Recently I was asked by the Culinary Historians of Northern Illinois to speak at their first anniversary meeting. Our hosts, John and Deb Lorentson,...
The Curious Curator – Falling into history
I recently returned from a “leaf peeping” trip to Vermont. Unlike the many thousands of tourists flocking to New England to view the brilliant...
The Curious Curator – Saving Old Nichols
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...
The Curious Curator – That name ‘Rings a Bell’
This is the story about two Bells. One is a doctor and the other is an architect.
Dr. John A. Bell was born in Ohio...
The Curious Curator – Happy home coming
To liberally re-purpose a quote from American humorist, Mark Twain, “Reports of my permanent move to Springfield are greatly exaggerated.”
Yes, I will be going...
The Curious Curator – Return to Springfield
Some of my readers may know that I am no longer at Naper Settlement. After nearly thirteen years of processing, indexing, researching, writing, and...
The Curious Curator – Naperville has sole
Hidden objects like old newspapers, bottles, kids’ toys, gloves and shoes have been found in the walls and foundations of homes in Naperville during...
