Naperville - Archeologists and Naper Settlement staff who are excavating the site of Joseph Naper's homestead at the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Mill Street believe they have discovered segments of the foundation of Naper's log cabin.

Don Booth, senior archeologist with SCI Engineering, Inc., said today that a stone foundation unearthed at the site is believed to be the base of Naper's cabin.

"The most significant thing we have is a stone wall that appears to be the north wall of the cabin," Booth said. "Now we know where his cabin sat."

Booth based his conclusion on information from Joseph Naper's will and last year's dig when a wooden plank was uncovered that could have been part of the log cabin's cellar. Booth also said that material excavated from the area around the stone wall dated to the 1840s. Naper arrived here in 1831 along with his brother, John, and about 60 other settlers. Booth estimates the cabin would have been about 16 feet by 9 feet.

Debbie Grinnell, director of Preservation Services for Naper Settlement said, "By all indications we have historical paper reference data plus physical data to put it together and feel confident about the information."

Another astonishing find at the site was a completely intact clay pipe, most likely manufactured in England and dating from around 1860 to 1880. Booth said in his 25 years of being involved in archeological digs that he has never found an intact clay pipe.

Also uncovered was a blue faceted Russian trading bead from the early half of the 19th century, which is significant because it indicates that Naper did set up a trading post shortly after he arrived in the area.

"To make finds like the Russian trading bead and the intact pipe are significant beyond the find itself," Grinnell said. "This will allow us to bring this time period to life for visitors to Naper Settlement who want to learn more about the visionary founding family of Naperville. We're excited to be able to share this story with the public."

The dig is funded by the City of Naperville's Capital Improvements Project and the project is being coordinated by Naper Settlement's Preservation Services team. The dig, which began Aug. 6, will continue through Thursday, weather permitting.

The past comes to life at Naper Settlement, the only outdoor history museum in Illinois accredited by the American Association of Museums. Located in the heart of downtown Naperville at 523 S. Webster St., Naper Settlement is open year round. For more information, call (630) 420-6010, the Event Hotline at (630) 305-5555 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.