Naperville 1920 Flashback: Horses to Cars

In just a few short years, the automobile displaced the horse and wagon, even in still-rural Naperville. These two images from Sanborn Maps tell the story. In 1909, the fire brigade’s pumper wagon was stored on Jefferson Avenue with a livery stable across the street for the horses to pull the wagon.

By 1920, the livery stable is a garage for motor vehicles. In fact, a number of buildings labeled “auto” are sprinkled all over the map. Two livery stables listed earlier and the horse net manufacturer on Jackson are gone. Instead, downtown boasts three different auto sales and repair shops. Our love affair with the automobile has begun!

The Sanborn Map Company published very detailed maps of urban areas to help fire insurance companies better assess their liabilities. For us today, they offer a fascinating look at our city’s past.