This plow, which helped turn wild prairies into productive farm fields, represents the logo of the Naperville Heritage Society.
As a fledgling grassroots organization in 1969, volunteers began holding an annual Antiques Show and Sale to . . . — — Map (db m246633) HM
You might find the answers to your questions here.
How did this river begin?
About 12,000 years ago, the last glacier left behind valleys and ridges (moraines) carved by meltwater. Two of the deeper valleys between moraines became . . . — — Map (db m308759) HM
Gift of Naperville Bahais on the bicentenary of Bahaullahs birth in 1817
Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch — — Map (db m290270) HM
Home of the first settler of DuPage County. A flowing spring attracted Bailey Hobson to come from Indiana to build a cabin in 1830 and a home in 1835. Hobson was a farmer, miller and soldier in the Black Hawk War.
The mill site, now . . . — — Map (db m234774) HM
Bill Shatzer, a graduate of nearby Mooseheart Academy, enrolled at North Central College in 1938. He was a four-sport student athlete garnering all-conference and "Little All-American" honors in football.
After graduating in 1942, Bill enlisted . . . — — Map (db m257214) HM WM
Burlington Square was formed in 1894 after the Naperville City Council passed a resolution to open Ellsworth Street north to the railroad tracks. The square was transformed from the old Carl Schwartz Lumber Yard into a neighborhood ball field. In . . . — — Map (db m290249) HM
For nearly sixty years, Theodor Seuss Geisel delighted millions worldwide with his fanciful and oftentimes surreal worlds. His unbridled creativity in writing and illustrating his 44 books for children and his ability to touch the hearts of everyone . . . — — Map (db m290312) HM
This Peace Pole is a gift to the Community of Naperville
from ThinkGlobal Arts Foundation.
This Peace Pole is a symbol of our community's commitment to inclusion, embracing different cultures, traditions, races and faiths. It stands alongside . . . — — Map (db m305205) HM
In 2011 work was completed to improve the environment of the Naperville Community Concert Center, including the replacement of the seating, improved lighting, renovation to the gazebo, and regrading of the seating area to allow a more comfortable . . . — — Map (db m290274) HM
The memorial includes two plaques on its river (north) side, one with a description of the memorial and another dedicated to Naperville native Dan Shanower.
[Plaque on the left:]
This memorial is dedicated to the more than 3,000 people . . . — — Map (db m257130) HM WM
This cannon was purchased from Willard Scott & Co. by the Village of Naperville on July 14, 1871. It is likely that the cannon was acquired through the influence of Willard Scott, Jr., a veteran of the Civil War. He served as a lieutenant in Company . . . — — Map (db m290287) HM
Born in the tommy-gun smoke of the likes of Flattop, Bigboy and Pruneface, the comic character, Dick Tracy, has pursued dastardly criminal minds across newspaper pages since October 4, 1931. This first police detective in the comic strips has become . . . — — Map (db m257047) HM
This monument was erected by the DuPage County Centennial Association to commemorate the first centennial of DuPage County. The monument stands on the site of the first DuPage County Court House. Here was the seat of the county government until . . . — — Map (db m290288) HM
Dedicated with grateful reverence to the men and women of Du Page County
This tract is part of the original grant to the first white settler, Bailey Hobson.
These millstones are from the Hobson Mill built on this site in 1834, one of the . . . — — Map (db m305063) HM
Elmer Koerner devoted more than thirty years of his life in Naperville to organizing bands and developing greater appreciation of band music. From 1930 until his death in November, 1965 he served as director of the Naperville Municipal Band. He . . . — — Map (db m290278) HM
Famous Masons
Winston Churchill Davey Crockett Benjamin Franklin John Glenn Douglas MacArthur Wolfgang Mozart Audie Murphy Arnold Palmer Paul Revere Theodore Roosevelt Harry S. Truman John Wayne
Famous Naperville . . . — — Map (db m286388) HM
Stephen J. Scott was the first settler on the confluence land after the US Government surveyed it. The Scott cabin's cistern (underground water storage) was discovered just south of the commemorative plaque.
Where Did the Scotts Come . . . — — Map (db m308676) HM
First Congregational Church of Naperville, founded July 13, 1833 is the oldest church in DuPage County and the oldest Congregational church founded in Northern Illinois. — — Map (db m290267) HM
This is the site of the Naper family's first frame house.
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 . . . — — Map (db m290317) HM
Near this site in 1832 a 100-foot square stockade enclosed by wooden pickets, with two blockhouses on diagonal corners, was built. Here Captain Morgan L. Payne and his company of forty-five men protected the settlers from roaming Sauk Indians during . . . — — Map (db m97574) HM
Fredenhagen Park is dedicated to the memory of Grace Towsley Fredenhagen and Walter S. Fredenhagen who together created the Prince Castles and Cock Robin ice cream companies. This park is the site of the original ice cream shop and manufacturing . . . — — Map (db m257258) HM
Illinois was once part of the vast grasslands known as the "tallgrass prairie" where vegetation often reached a height of ten feet. Native Americans were the first people to use the resources held within the prairie habitat. Plants provided food, . . . — — Map (db m234801) HM
This monument honors, recognizes and serves Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The Homeland panel depicts images . . . — — Map (db m305201) WM
This park has been designated Grassroots Overlook by Township Board Resolution No. 991115 dated November 15, 1999 in recognition of 150 years of grassroots government in Naperville Township.
Elected officials in 1850
Russell Whipple, . . . — — Map (db m257051) HM
This transformed stage door, painted in the art deco style, showcases the various bandstands that have been used by Naperville's lineage of municipal bands since the inception of the Naperville Brass Band in 1859. Central Park has been the home to . . . — — Map (db m290272) HM
The word "sustainable" which we hear so much today is about making sure the earth will endure as a place where humans can survive. For Native Americans, "sustainability" is not centered on humans, it's a reverence for the earth itself and every . . . — — Map (db m308791) HM
Pull the handle up and down to bring water up to the surface.
Fresh water is a necessity for town building. Although the DuPage River provided a quantity of water, it was not always fresh. The geology of the bedrock, clay, and . . . — — Map (db m290355) HM
This plaza was donated by Harold and Eva White, co-publishers of The Naperville SUN since 1935, and owners of The SUN Printing Corporation.
In appreciation to the citizens of Naperville for their many years of confidence and cooperation. — — Map (db m286389) HM
Henry Tayama, Class of 1893, was the first Japanese student to graduate from the College. He had been educated in English schools of the Evangelical Association's mission in Tokyo. Upon completing his divinity degree, Reverend Tayama returned to his . . . — — Map (db m257218) HM
Naperville's Horse Market Days drew farmers and dealers from all over to haggle and show off their horses.
Monthly horse sales in front of the Pre-Emption House began in 1885. Dealers hired boys to exercise the animals and take them to the . . . — — Map (db m246563) HM
On the forehead of this Olmec sculpture, artist Chawuk depicts a portrait of Carlos Tortolero, a pioneering advocate for Latin American arts in the United States, as if the ancient figure foresaw Tortolero's future impact. — — Map (db m257187) HM
James L. Nichols, Class of 1880, directed the College's Commercial Course. Following several years of successful sales of his volume "The Business Guide, or Safe Methods of Business," Nichols stopped teaching to devote himself full time to his . . . — — Map (db m257221) HM
Gifts from Community Champions Helped Create Knoch Knolls Park
Naperville Park District gratefully acknowledges the Knoch Family and the Frank J. Rus Trust for their gifts to the community that helped make Knoch Knolls Park the . . . — — Map (db m308678) HM
You're looking at Knoch Knolls Park. Beyond the pond are the scattered trees of the savanna, then the West Branch of the DuPage River. Early settlers called the forest on the other side of the West Branch the "Big Woods."
An Interesting . . . — — Map (db m308766) HM
Abraham Lincoln was 30 years old in 1839, Storytelling and humor defined Lincoln's reputation as he grew from chopping wood, storekeeping and "riding" the Eighth Circuit, to leading a divided nation. He and Joe Naper, our city's founder, served in . . . — — Map (db m290309) HM
The search for food and a place to camp near water brought the first native people to the confluence land over 10,000 years ago. Their descendentsand later the Potawatomi Indians-hunted, trapped, fished, and gathered food here for thousands of . . . — — Map (db m308767) HM
This is the site of the Naper family's log cabin.
Captain Joseph Naper of Ashtabula, Ohio visited Illinois in February of 1831 and made his claim on land along the DuPage River. An entrepreneur, Naper intended to establish a thriving community . . . — — Map (db m290320) HM
The bas-relief sculpture, carved in brick, symbolizes the human quest for learning through the ages. On the left are open books, the solar system, life's early beginnings in the sea, and the Tree of Knowledge. These objects flow into the center of . . . — — Map (db m290311) HM
This is the site of Mark Naper's home.
Joseph Naper's son Mark built a house on this property in 1883 using timbers from his father's first frame home. Mark Naper was a prosperous jeweler who owned a thriving business in Naperville. Mark . . . — — Map (db m290353) HM
Many small streams like this one flow into the DuPage River.
Why is it called McDonald Creek?
The creek is named for its sourcethe McDonald Farm located to the north across Knoch Knolls Road. The McDonald family owned the farm from 1949 . . . — — Map (db m308845) HM
The 60-acre McDonald Farm was donated to The Conservation Foundation by Lenore (Clow) McDonald in 1992 and is used for agriculture, education and conservation purposes. The farm is private property and is open to the public during regular weekday . . . — — Map (db m234804) HM
Mildred Rebstock, Ph.D., Class of 1942, discovered a method for synthesizing the antibiotic chloromycetin, which revolutionized medicine by allowing scientists to manufacture antibiotics quickly and cheaply. She was presented the Women's National . . . — — Map (db m257222) HM
Archaeological digs on this site uncovered clues about the life of Naperville founder Joseph Naper, his family, and the history of the community that they founded.
In 2006-07, a team of archaeologists, Naper Settlement staff, and community . . . — — Map (db m290315) HM
In 2005-06, a team of archeologists, Naper Settlement [unreadable] and a team of volunteers uncovered nearly 25,00 artifacts at the site, providing strong evidence [two or three unreadable words] Joseph Naper and his family [unreadable] built . . . — — Map (db m290351) HM
Some of the families who traveled with Joseph and John Naper stayed here to help build a town. The area was known as Naper's Settlement. The settlers' first homes and businesses were located along the high ground of the north bank of the DuPage . . . — — Map (db m290346) HM
Town founder Joseph Naper recognized the importance of geographic location when he laid claim to his homestead along the west branch of the DuPage River. The new settlement benefited from forests to the north and west, prairies to the south, and the . . . — — Map (db m290324) HM
Naperville's geographical history is whimsically depicted on the thirty-six sculpted bronze squares embedded here. The artist has created a puzzle for viewers as they search the topographical map for familiar landmarks. A covered wagon represents . . . — — Map (db m257182) HM
All people who are interested in saving Naperville's remaining heritage - historic buildings, etc., come join with me to do what we can," invited Jane Sindt in the local newspaper. And the response was extraordinary.
The original handful . . . — — Map (db m257042) HM
The Naperville Municipal Band Board of Directors Celebrates The Band's 150th Anniversary.
We honor and salute all members of the band, past and present, who have contributed to bringing music, culture and entertainment to the citizens of . . . — — Map (db m290275) HM
Murals depict Naperville Sports Notables. Known as a place where education plays a most important role, sports also are part of the big picture. Naperville schools have produced not only stellar graduates prepared for careers, but also a number of . . . — — Map (db m286386) HM
Murals depict Naperville Sports Notables. Known as a place where education plays a most important role, sports also are part of the big picture. Naperville schools have produced not only stellar graduates prepared for careers, but also a number of . . . — — Map (db m286387) HM
[Front side:]
We resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain
Honor Gratitude
[Plaque on rear side:]
We resolve... "that these dead shall not have died in vain"
Black Hawk War 1832
Brown, Wm.
Mexican War 1847-48 . . . — — Map (db m257064) WM
To honor the memory of the Naperville boys who gave their lives in the war of 1914-1918
★★★★★★★
Eugene Berger J. Clyde Beidelman Edward C. Bapst Arnold P. Hiltenbrand Edward W. Hiltz Oliver J. . . . — — Map (db m290253) WM
Abbott, Arthur Adelman, L. M. Albrecht, Otto Albrecht, Richard F. Allison, Hubert F. Alspaugh, Noel Anderson, C. B. App, James Arbogast, Fred Arbogast, Louie Ashley, Clifford A. Babel Harley Babel, Harry Bacon, V. Bailey, . . . — — Map (db m290246) WM
In 1830 when Stephen Scott first claimed land above the fork of the East and West Branches of the DuPage, the low land between the branches had a small patch of prairie and upland it was all forest.
Farm Fields to Prairie
Starting with . . . — — Map (db m308830) HM
The North Central College community garden project demonstrates the College's commitment to sustainability and promoting locally grown, healthy food options for students. In 2010, volunteers helped maintain the first successful garden season. . . . — — Map (db m257202) HM
In March 1965, North Central students traveled to Selma, Alabama, to participate in a march supporting voting rights in the South. The College's spring chapel convocation series included James Farmer from the Congress on Racial Equality, who . . . — — Map (db m257224) HM
This scattering of widely spaced trees is a habitat called a savanna. The branches of savanna trees are able to stretch out horizontally, absorbing the abundant sunlight available.
In the past, these landscapes were kept open by natural . . . — — Map (db m308765) HM
The mural includes the Pre-Emption House, where Gertrude and Frank Wehrli raised a family of 13 children. The dramatic horses are pulling a heavy load of wood for the C.B. Moore Lumber Company, while a man is washing his car in the DuPage River near . . . — — Map (db m257276) HM
The Edward Sanatorium, a tuberculosis treatment center, and an iron lung for polio patients remind us of medical concerns in the last century. Leading efforts to ensure good medical care were Grace Fredenhagen, who was instrumental in acquiring land . . . — — Map (db m257277) HM
The strong, bold images on these three murals were created in American Art Deco style to honor important people, places, and events in Naperville's 20th century history. The west mural portrays Peter Kroehler and his furniture manufacturing company . . . — — Map (db m257273) HM
When settlers first came to this part of Illinois in the 1830's, they discovered vast stretches of prairie land with small pockets of valuable woodlands interspersed along the streambanks. The wooded areas were settled first due to the availability . . . — — Map (db m305119) HM
When settlers arrived in Illinois they encountered a beautiful yet harsh environment. The most significant hardship was the 22 million acres of treeless, tall grass prairie. Pioneers were attracted to the familiar resources held by pockets of . . . — — Map (db m305116) HM
Did You Know
that the wetland plants that grow at Pioneer Park help keep the river clean? The plants that were installed in 2012 and 2013 near the bank of the West Branch of the DuPage River are native to Illinois wetlands. These plants . . . — — Map (db m305120) HM
This land was home to the Potawatomi people before they were pushed out by waves of United States settler encroachment, federal policies of indigenous removal, and treaties negotiated under threat of military action. In this area, 1832, was a key . . . — — Map (db m257030) HM
Here stood
Pre-Emption House
Tavern of pioneer days
Built by George Laird in 1834
Inn for travelling merchants and horsetraders
Wayside station for marketbound settlers
Center of gay social life of country round about
. . . — — Map (db m257266) HM
This re-creation of the frame of an old, water-powered sawmill commemorates the first sawmill in DuPage Township. Scott's Mill once stood on the West Branch of the DuPage River just north of where it meets the East Branch.
The Old Sawmill on . . . — — Map (db m308842) HM
In 2019, Naperville Park District stabilized 2,077 feet of the riverbank at Lincoln Greenway with native plants to improve water quality in the West Branch DuPage River.
Sedimentation
Sedimentation is the depositing of soil into a body of . . . — — Map (db m305121) HM
The Rev. George St. Angelo, Class of 1943, returned to his alma mater in 1955 to serve as the College's first chaplain. In this role, he opened students' eyes to concepts of social justice by bringing prominent national speakers, such as Dr. Martin . . . — — Map (db m257223) HM
This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation.
1775-1783
Presented by Fort Payne Chapter Daughters of . . . — — Map (db m305149) HM
John Dudley was born February 25, 1758 in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. In 1776 at the age of 18, he enlisted in the New Hampshire militia and served at Fort Ticonderoga in Colonel Reed's Regiment. There Dudley and the rest of the American troops . . . — — Map (db m230990) HM WM
Celebrating Community
Millennium Wall
This wall stands proud and strong for the thousands of people who lived in Naperville at the turn of the third millennium. It represents Naperville citizens working and planning together united in a . . . — — Map (db m257171) HM
In 1979 a committee was formed to help decide what kind of community gift would be appropriate as a lasting memorial of Naperville's sesquicentennial celebration to be held in 1981. Local businessman, Jim Moser, with the help of architect Chuck . . . — — Map (db m257107) HM
The Naperville Municipal Band Celebrates and Thanks Ronald J. Keller, Ph.D. For His 50 Years as Director
Ronald J. Keller, Naperville's "Music Man," was appointed Director of the Naperville Municipal Band in 1965. Since that time, the . . . — — Map (db m290285) HM
Founded in 1830 by Stephen J. Scott, his wife, Hadassah, son, Willard Sr., and other children in the family.
While on a hunting trip with his son Willard Sr., Stephen J. Scott discovered the DuPage River near what is now Plainfield. Impressed . . . — — Map (db m308677) HM
Dedicated in honor of the Donald Shanower Family
Don "Doc" Shanower, professor of theatre/speech communication emeritus (and longtime North Central College Cardinal fan), who taught at the College from 1955-86, his wife, Pat, and children, . . . — — Map (db m257044) HM WM
Site of
First Frame House
in DuPage County
Home of
George Martin Family
Built in 1833
Willed to the City
of Naperville
in 1936
Destroyed by Fire
in 1958 — — Map (db m234806) HM
The Snibley, Stenger and Olesen families farmed this land.
German immigrant Jacob Snibley brought his family to Naperville in 1835. They established a farm and built a house of locally quarried limestone on this property in the 1850s. . . . — — Map (db m305111) HM
Vietnam Service History and Awards of Sp 5 Kenneth J. Shimp
April 1967-June 1968
Born: April 13, 1947
Enlisted: September 1966
Arrived in Vietnam April 1967
Awarded first Air Medal with "V" device with one Oak Leaf Cluster for . . . — — Map (db m305208) HM
The American Legion Post 43 erected this sculpture in honor of those from Naperville who served in world war 1. Artist E.M. Viquesney created the mold for the doughboy and supervised the factory production in Spencer, Indiana. Calling the doughboy . . . — — Map (db m290256) HM
Five years after his success with "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," artist E.M. Viquesney created this sculpture, "The Spirit of the American Navy" with its first U.S. installation in November, 1927.
"Sailorboy" was meant to be a companion . . . — — Map (db m290244) HM
In honor of
Steve Chirico
Mayor of the City of Naperville
2015-2023
Whose vision and determination to create this space to usher in a new era of how to work and gather, was ahead of its time, and, in the same spirit that brought about the . . . — — Map (db m257045) HM
From ice skating and ice harvesting to fishing, car washing or just "bridge sitting", the DuPage River has drawn Napervillians for generations, as it does today. "Streaming History" depicts activity along the river, in the surrounding countryside . . . — — Map (db m257126) HM
Less than 200 years ago, the DuPage River watershed was a wilderness of prairie and wetlands, with scattered groves of trees. Today, much of that land has become a web of streets and highways, homes, businesses, and industries. Keeping our natural . . . — — Map (db m308832) HM
Works Progress Administration Three Span Concrete T-Beam Bridge Third Bridge at Main Street
19312005
Designed by D. E. McGrath and F. A. Roseman
Built entirely by residents of Naperville
2005
Two Span Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridge . . . — — Map (db m257108) HM
"Three Elms," the home of Henry H. Rassweiler, the second president of North Central College, stood at this site on the corner of South Brainard Street and Van Buren Avenue until 1971. Rassweiler was a graduate of the Class of 1868 and served the . . . — — Map (db m272954) HM
This is the site of Joseph Naper's trading post.
Archaeological excavation of the cellar of Naper's trading post revealed fragments of ceramics, glass, kitchen goods, clay tobacco pipes, and other personal items that settlers bought from . . . — — Map (db m290319) HM
[Text on the wall:]
Let peace and beauty be found here: Remember those who served us well.
[Small slab:]
Dedicated Nov. 11, 1989 to all veterans — — Map (db m305197) WM
What Was Here Before the Park?
Early Settlements Along the DuPage River
Before pioneers from the eastern United States arrived in Naperville, the Potawatomi lived in settlements along the DuPage River, most likely including the . . . — — Map (db m305199) HM
Walter and Grace Fredenhagen, visionaries in business and community and creators of "One in a Million" milk shakes, are depicted in these bronze sculptures. Walter owned and operated Prince Castles and Cock Robin ice cream shops from 1931-1993, . . . — — Map (db m310914) HM
The names Givler and Moyer, two respected families and longtime residents of the North Central College community, are associated with the house which stood on this site at the corner of South Loomis Street and Van Buren Avenue until 1975, when it . . . — — Map (db m255249) HM
Knoch Knolls Park is on land referred to as "The Forks" in early local histories. This unique piece of land between the East and West Branches of the DuPage River has many stories to tell. Visit the Nature Center to learn more.
Historic Sites . . . — — Map (db m308753) HM
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