Naper Days Wraps Up !
Past, Present Honored on Last Day

This year’s family-friendly Naper Days festival continued throughout Saturday, following a great Friday start.

While the weather might have been a little questionable, festival goers didn’t seem to mind.

Naper Days is a festival designed to unite our community, celebrate the past, present and future, and build awareness of the many great things Naperville has to offer.

Each year, the Naperville Heritage Society Board of Directors inducts honorees into the Distinguished Heritage Hall of Honor to recognize exemplary dedication to the preservation of our community’s heritage.

This award recognizes those who have supported preserving Naperville’s rich history, and have demonstrated commitment to Naper Settlement and the Heritage Society’s mission of historic preservation and education.

This year’s inductees into the 2008 Distinguished Heritage Hall of Honor are Ted and Norma Cheuvront; the City of Naperville, the Mayor A. George Pradel and City Council; Bob and Midge Drebing; Al and Ruth Harris; Kent and Ann Rothrock; and Harold and Mary Schrader.

According to a release from Naper Settlement, Ted and Norma Cheuvront were longtime volunteers at Naper Settlement.

The City of Naperville, the Honorable Mayor A. George Pradel and City Council are being honored for their longtime partnership with the Naperville Heritage Society and Naper Settlement.

Bob and Midge Drebing have lived in Naperville since 1958 and became charter members of the newly-formed Naperville Heritage Society in 1969. Midge’s interest in wildflowers spurred the formation of the Weed Ladies, a volunteer floral design group that still holds its popular annual sales.

Al and Ruth Harris both loved to volunteer at Naper Settlement. Al, a longtime member and chairman of the Restoration Crew, was in charge of several house restorations. Ruth was a member of the Quilt Ladies. 

Kent and Ann Rothrock moved to Naperville in 1971 and developed a keen interest in volunteering at Naper Settlement.

Harold and Mary Schrader, both lifelong Naperville residents, lived across the street from Naper Settlement for many years and devoted countless hours volunteering there. portrayed Barney the Elf, a popular character, during Christmas Memories. Both led tours for school groups and visitors at Naper Settlement. 

All proceeds from Naper Days support the Naperville Heritage Society and Naper Settlement.

Elitsa Bizios Reports.