The Joseph Naper Homestead

Interpreted by Kate Gingold, author of Ruth by Lake and Prairie

The Naper Homestead is a park built on the site where Naperville, Illinois founder Joseph Naper built his home when he settled there in July of 1831. The property is at the corner of Jefferson and Mill streets near downtown.

In July of 2011, construction began to build this park and in November a ribbon cutting opened it to the public. Naper's statue is the finishing touch on the park, and it was installed August 9, 2013. A dedication and unveiling was held on August 23.

Dick Locher, Kate Gingold, and the stature of Joseph Naper
Dick Lochner, Kate Gingold, and Joe, on the day of the statue's installation.

 

On these pages are chronicled the construction of the park and show some of its features, but by all means come visit and stand amidst our town's origins.

 

Ruth By Lake And Prairie available online or at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville

Available in softcover or e-book

Now read how it started, and experience the journey through the eyes of Joseph Naper's niece, Ruth

From their home in Ashtabula, Ohio,

over the Great Lakes, aboard the schooner Telegraph,

to the shores that would one day become Chicago;

by foot and wagon to the DuPage River.

Join Ruth and the pioneer families as they follow Uncle Joe to a new home.