Standing Tall: Joseph Naper Documentary “Joe Naper comes alive in this new production,” said Dr. Ann Keating, a C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of History at North Central College after a preview Sunday of Naperville Community Television’s documentary about Joseph Naper, Community Building on the Great Frontier: The Story of Joseph Naper & the Founding of Naperville.
The visual and aural masterpiece was rewarded by an enthusiastic standing ovation at the preview showing for participants and supporters held at Smith Hall of North Central College with refreshments provided by Arbor Vitae Java & Juice of Naperville. Funded by the FY06 City of Naperville Culture Fund (now known as the Special Events & Cultural Amenities Fund), and produced in cooperation with Naper Settlement/Naperville Heritage Society, Community Building on the Great Frontier: The Story of Joseph Naper & the Founding of Naperville is the first in-depth television look at Naperville’s founder. The documentary begins airing on Channel 17 this Thursday, September 14 th at 8 pm. Those in attendance raved about the production led by NCTV17’s Emmy award-winning Executive Director and Executive Producer Elizabeth “Liz” Braham Spencer. “It was a pleasure to work with the staff of NCTV17 on their latest documentary release,” says Debbie Grinnell, Director of Preservation Services at Naper Settlement. “Liz Spencer and Laura Zinger captured the essence of the research and historical materials preserved at Naper Settlement and brought it to life as Captain Naper’s story is told, revealing little known facts about why he chose this area, the process of pre-empting land, how Naperville came to be (and lose) the county seat, and the town’s connections to the politics of Illinois and Abraham Lincoln.” Zinger served as Associate Producer, conducted extensive pre-production research, co-wrote the script (with Spencer) and also taped the glistening Great Lakes camera footage.
“Television producers are really story tellers,” says Spencer. She and Zinger spent hours discovering and capturing key chapters in Naper’s story. From his family’s early name of Napier to his arduous trip from Ohio to his political talent to his vision for what would become the Naperville community, Joseph Naper led an extraordinary life. Those at the preview described the NCTV17 treatment of Naper’s journey as both educational and entertaining. Keating and Grinnell lend their historical expertise in the documentary as do other experts including Louise Howard, Bryan J. Ogg, and Susan Cicero of Naper Settlement/Naperville Heritage Society, and local historian Mary Lou Wehrli. The interviews are conducted on locations reminiscent of the time period and are interspersed with authentic costumed re-enactments, and the extraordinary and colorful art work of local artist Les Schrader. Animation Director Aaron Ross’ maps and graphics help clarify geographic specifics. “This is history brought to life through letters, dramatizations, maps and photographs,” said Keating. Masterful editing by NCTV17’s Carl Schultz resulted in artful visual details as well as many subtle sound effects. Complementing a pastoral cattle scene, the viewer hears their soft lowing. Schultz’s treatment of every visual and sound opportunity transforms the viewer back to Naper’s time and place. “Community Building on the Great Frontier is a must see for anyone with an interest in local history or a desire to know what it took to create a town that continues today to be a draw for those looking for a place to truly call home,” concluded Grinnell. “People may be surprised to learn they themselves emulate today the values held dear by Joseph Naper and his fellow town folk back in the 1830s and 40s.” Joseph Naper was standing tall at Sunday’s premiere, as were the viewers in response to Naperville Community Television’s expert television portrayal of his life journey. “The documentary is another outstanding example of NCTV17’s expertise and team work,” said Rita Harvard. “I enjoyed every minute of it.” |
