Kate's Brief History

Naperville had two bankers listed in Holland’s 1886 Directory, both of which were also merchant tailors first. Last time, we looked at Georg...

While progress has replaced many of Naperville’s earliest structures, not only does George Reuss’s business building still stand but so does...

Naperville today has an abundance of drinking establishments and it was much the same in 1886. In fact, there were six saloons in the downto...

The 1886 Holland’s Directory lists three hotels in Naperville: American House, Pre-Emption House, and Washington House. All of them were on...

The 1886 Holland’s Directory features three full-page ads promoting Ernest Von Oven’s various businesses. All have the same office “at the f...