Naperville in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First Frame House
(Second House)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 16, 2025
1. First Frame House Marker
The Naper family's first home was a log cabin. Two and a half years later they constructed a second, larger dwelling nearby using boards from the settlement's first sawmill established by Joseph Naper and his brother, John.
The sawmill was converted to a gristmill in 1840.
A bird's eye view map from 1869 illustrates Naper's mill and home on the corner of Mill Street and Jefferson Avenue. Described as "unpretentious" by one early visitor, the house served as an informal inn for emigrants moving to Naper's settlement.
The Naper family's hospitality explains why archaeologists found a number of fragments of refined ceramic teawares and tablewares on the site. As a hostess, Almeda Naper needed many plates, bowls, cups, and other ceramics in order to serve and entertain her guests.
Erected 2010 by Naper Settlement.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 41° 46.371′ N, 88° 9.27′ W. Marker is in Naperville, Illinois, in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Naper Homestead (a few steps from this marker); Trading Post Site (a few steps from this marker); Log Cabin Site (a few steps from this marker); Mark Naper Home (a few steps from this marker); Hand Pump (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Naper Homestead (a few steps from this marker); The Napers & Naperville (within shouting distance of this marker); Naper Settlement (within
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 16, 2025
2. First Frame House Marker
This marker can be seen on the right side of the photo.
Regarding First Frame House. A third and final home was built at this site by Naper's descendants in 1883. It was torn down sometime between 1964 and 1974. This land was acquired in 2006 by the City of Naperville, which then enlisted archeologists to search the lot for artifacts. The park opened with this historical signage around 2010.
Also see . . . Almeda Naper (Find a Grave). Mrs. Naper died in 1885 and is buried in Naperville Cemetery next to her husband, who died about 23 years earlier. (Submitted on December 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 16, 2025
3. Naper Homestead
A statue of Joseph Naper is at the northwest entrance into this small park.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 16, 2025
4. Close-up of Joseph Naper photo
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
