Tags
architecture, art, bridges, history, Illinois, Naperville, photography, travel
I have to admit that we haven’t had the opportunity to do much suburban traveling this year, or traveling of any kind, so I had to go back in the archives for some pictures that I took last autumn on our visit to Naperville, Illinois.
Joseph Naper arrived here in 1831 and founded what would later be called Naper’s Settlement on the banks of the DuPage River. The Settlement is now a museum with 30 historic buildings located on 12 acres.
The Schultz Building originally occupied the corner of Aurora Avenue and Webster Street in the 1920’s and 30’s and served as a combination of filling station, grocery store and restaurant.
The Century Memorial Chapel was built in 1864 and moved from it’s original location on Jefferson Avenue to the Naper Settlement in 1970. With seating for 175 guests, it is now a popular venue for weddings.
Carpenter and merchant, Alexander Hamilton Howard, one of Naperville’s early postmasters, built the Paw Paw Post Office in 1833. The house was also used as a stop along a stagecoach route than ran through DuPage County.
Although the log cabin at Naper Settlement is not originally from the Naperville area, having been dismantled and shipped from Jonesboro, Illinois in 1978, it is a good representation of how Naperville’s first settlers lived.
Built in 1883, the Martin Mitchell Mansion, originally called Pinecraig, was not only the Martin family home but also a place of business. George Martin owned large quarry works along the DuPage River. In 1936, Martin’s daughter and last surviving heir, Caroline Martin Mitchell, left the house to the City of Naperville.
The Dandelion Fountain, seen here across the street from Naperville Public Library on the right, is just one of many items of interest along The Riverwalk that runs beside the West branch of the DuPage River. It is interesting to note that in a 2010 study, Naperville was ranked as the wealthiest city with a population exceeding 75,000, in the Midwest.
The Amphitheater is an open-tiered area that plays host to many community events and performances.
Some whimsical artwork on display in Naperville; River Reveries by Jennifer Hereth and Best Friends by Dale Rogers.
Part of the scenic 1.75 mile walk along the river in Naperville. You can just make out Moser Tower in the background behind the covered bridge.
Moser Tower and the Millennium Carillon stands 158ft tall with 253 steps and 72 bells the largest of which weighs 6 tons.
Paddleboat Quarry, part of the historic Naperville Quarry. By the time we visited the city in November most of these things were closed including the interiors of the buildings at Naper Settlement, so I’m looking forward to returning to Naperville at an earlier time next year.
neihtn2012 said:
That looks like a very interesting place to visit. Added to my list. Thank you!
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
You’re welcome. It’s surprising how many interesting things you can find in some of these small suburban towns. I like to research before we visit a new place and make a list.
Arati said:
I visited Naperville on a couple of occasions years ago, during the summers. I love the town and walking along the river. A pleasant area to hang out in. I know the park where Moser tower is located. We used to fantasize about what it would be like to ride sleds down the hill in the winter.
In retrospect I can see how Naperville would have ranked as the wealthiest city with a population over 75,000 in the midwest. I was also struck by the whiteness of the population in that area, as well as in other towns nearby like Geneva. This awareness reminded me of the way in which many of these suburban areas were developed… the hidden, unspoken maneuvers that discriminated against people of color being able to by property.
And I do love to walk along the rivers and on the covered bridges! So green and so much water especially coming from California where the summers are so dry!
Thank you for the history and the wonderful pictures. I hope to go back to the area next summer.
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
Thank you for stopping by. You make some interesting points in your comments especially regarding discrimination. I hope to return to Naperville, possibly next year, for another visit.
lexklein said:
An old neighbor town! We lived in the western suburbs for 26 years, but after 6 months away now in Texas, it feels so far away!
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
Our youngest daughter moved to Texas in July so I know how far away that feels. Thanks for stopping by.
amoralegria said:
Great pictures, Sue! It sounds like a nice place for an autumn walk – I’m going to suggest it to my husband!
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
Yes, this week should be good. Looks like the rain has ended for a while.
yashicachris said:
Excellent photography!
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
Thank you so much!
Albatz Travel Adventures said:
Love the dog (and cat) sculpture!
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
It is cute, isn’t it. Thanks for visiting.
Rekha said:
Hello sue. 🙂 I remember following your blog ages ago, and I even remember liking your posts until last week. Is this your new blog? When I click on the icon, it is taking me to this blog.
And, it goes without saying that the photographs are excellent 🙂
Sue (Mac's Girl) said:
Hello Rekha! Yes, I have three blogs here on WordPress. This one is mostly about things other than nature. I try to post on all three but nature seems to be the most popular. The Suburban Travels series was inspired by day trips that Mum and I used to take, when we would stick a pin in the map to pick a town or village that was new to us and discover all we could about the place. Thank you so much for visiting here and commenting. I hope you will stop by again.
Rekha said:
Wow, that’s nice, sue. Yes, I will keep visiting this blog from now on. 🙂