Holland’s 1886 Business Directory - An Introduction

Founded in 1831, Joseph Naper’s settlement prospered and in 1857, Naper became the first president of the newly-formed Village of Naperville. Chicago was also growing rapidly, primarily because of its central location and convenient access to shipping because of Lake Michigan. Easy passage to Chicago was important for Naperville’s continued growth. 

This was a time of major upgrades in transportation. It was considered the Golden Age of Sailing, man-made waterways like the Illinois and Michigan Canal were multiplying, and steam-powered ships were being perfected. Steam power was also being used on land, launching railways across the country. 

In order to get goods to and from Chicago, Naperville businessmen financed a road made of White Oak planks to keep wagons from getting stuck in mud and ruts. So when the railways started coming out this way, protecting their investment compelled them to refuse participation. Instead, the railroad went through Warren and Jesse Wheaton’s land, and Du Page’s first station was built in Winfield in 1859.

Unfortunately, “corduroy” roads had numerous drawbacks, the biggest one being how prone they were to decay. Farmers and travelers much preferred using railway transportation, and Naperville finally welcomed a railroad station of their own in 1864. 

Having access to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad line prompted accelerated growth for Naperville. The Clarion newspaper started publishing in 1868. North-Western College, now known as North Central, relocated here in 1870. A Sanborn Fire Insurance Map was created for downtown in 1886. And in 1890, the Village of Naperville was incorporated as a city.

During this boom time, the Holland Publishing Company of Chicago decided there was enough economic activity to produce a Business Guide for Naperville. This 1886 book in three parts is a treasure trove of local history, especially of businesses in town. In their own words:

In doing so, we expect it will receive a hearty and welcome reception, and prove of very great value and convenience for every-day reference and in showing in one compact, comprehensive and simply arranged form to outsiders, the many and varied advantages of Naperville.

The publishers assured the little village of about 3000 souls that “we have pursued the same method in producing this, as those for the large cities,” but they also helpfully advise that “numbering the buildings and lots of the village on some approved and systematic plan, say, allowing twenty-two feet for each number,” would be a good idea for a growing town. 

Holland’s Business Guide is great fun to peruse. There are familiar names of the movers and shakers, buildings that still exist and what they used to sell, and wonderful advertisements for a wide variety of products and services. Over the next months, I’ll be sharing much more from the Guide‘s pages.