2004 Inaugural Heritage Hall of Honor recognizes dedicated supporters

The honorees who were inducted into the inaugural Distinguished Heritage Hall of Honor in June 2004 have several attributes in common: they have enthusiastically supported preserving Naperville's rich and storied history, demonstrated a high level of commitment to Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society's mission of historic preservation and education and have a deep and unwavering respect for the history of Naperville. Through their dedication they have improved the lives of people around them.

Donald L. Acker built the first scale model of Naper Settlement and was instrumental in relocating and restoring the Meeting House.

Grace Fry, a longtime Museum Educator, gave tours and supported educational activities.

Max Harbach, a 27-year member of the restoration crew, has worked to improve virtually every building on the grounds.

Judge Win G. Knoch, a longtime DuPage County judge, convinced Caroline Martin Mitchell to bequeath her family's estate to the City of Naperville.

Caroline Martin Mitchell donated her family's Victorian mansion and 212 acres to the City, stipulating that her home remain a museum in perpetuity.

Naperville Evening Kiwanis members have volunteered at Naper Settlement for 25 years.

John K. "Jack" and Judy Powell, longtime volunteers, planted trees and gardens throughout the grounds.

Lester E. Schrader, was an artist and skilled carpenter, whose paintings are the basis for "Brushstrokes of the Past: Naperville's Story," Naper Settlement's permanent exhibit.

Jane Sindt was the founding president of the Naperville Heritage Society and helped to create Naper Settlement.

John L. and Kay Stephens are charter members of the Naperville Heritage Society and John served as its president.

Duane E. and Frances E. Wilson are founding members of the Naperville Heritage Society. Duane was the first treasurer.

Margaret "Peg" Yonker was president of the Naperville Heritage Society and is a mainstay of Naper Settlement's Speakers Bureau.

Hannah Ditzler Alspaugh was a 19th century schoolteacher and lifelong resident of Naperville. Her meticulously kept fabric diaries offer an invaluable glimpse into the daily life of Naperville's townspeople.

Tom and Ginny Bursh were early volunteers with the Naperville Heritage Society, painting and wallpapering almost every building at Naper Settlement. Ginny was secretary of the Heritage Society board and Tom served as president from 1982 to 1985. Tom also led the construction of the Pre-Emption House.

Howard and Bonnie Cosyns were founding members of the Naperville Heritage Society. Bonnie's knowledge of antiques was invaluable in the early days of the Heritage Society and the Antiques Show, where Howie was the volunteer auctioneer.

Harold and Isabelle Huth were two of the early costumed volunteers at Naper Settlement, sharing the history of Naperville with hundreds of visitors and schoolchildren.

Boy Scouts of America - Three Fires Council is the organization that sponsors Scouts throughout DuPage County. Boy Scouts have been loyal volunteers at Naper Settlement, coordinating special projects and even picking up the spent bullet shells during Civil War Days.

Mary Barbara "Matie" Egermann was Naperville's longest serving librarian who also loved history. She started the Nichols Library Historical Museum and also collected dolls from around the world that are now in the collection of Naper Settlement.

Carleton and Joanne Nadelhoffer were founding members of the Naperville Heritage Society. Joanne was one of the original "Weed Ladies," whose specialty was finding antique containers for the floral arrangements. Carleton donated countless hours of pro bono legal work for the newly formed not-for-profit organization.

Elizabeth Braham Spencer and Naperville Community Television, Channel 17 are responsible for creating and airing documentaries chronicling the history of Naperville. Collaborating with the Naperville Heritage Society/Naper Settlement, the two groups have made a commitment to preserving fragile media such as videotapes and film.

Helena Zentmyer Wackerlin was a significant benefactor to the Naperville Heritage Society, funding the restoration of the Halfway House and other buildings at Naper Settlement. She is a Heritage Society lifetime member and also helped with the restoration of Century Memorial Chapel, the Copenhagen Schoolhouse and the Pre-Emption House.

The Weed Ladies are a volunteer group of gardeners and floral designers whose creative arrangements are featured during their seasonal sales, which benefit education and preservation programs at Naper Settlement.

Ted and Norma Cheuvront were longtime volunteers at Naper Settlement. Ted was a member of the Restoration Crew from 1986 to 2007, helping with many projects throughout the village including assembling houses and extensive building renovations. Norma assisted with a variety of office tasks including mailing the monthly members' newsletter.

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. Since the Society's founding in 1969, the City of Naperville and its mayors have been enthusiastic supporters of 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 sales. Bob helped with many of the restoration projects at Naper Settlement.

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, whose beautiful handiwork was displayed and then raffled off as a fundraiser each year during the annual Naperville Heritage Society Antiques Show.

Kent and Ann Rothrock moved to Naperville in 1971 and developed a keen interest in volunteering at Naper Settlement. Ann joined the Weed Ladies and also chaired the membership committee. Kent computerized the first membership database and helped move Naper Settlement's operations into the computer age.

Harold and Mary Schrader, both lifelong Naperville residents, lived across the street from Naper Settlement for many years and devoted countless hours to volunteering there. Mary, an accomplished seamstress, sewed many of the curtains for the historic buildings. Harold was a skilled woodworker, who also portrayed Barney the Elf, a popular character during Christmas Memories. Both led tours for school groups and visitors at Naper Settlement.