The site of Woman's Club's landmark building dates back to founding of Naperville – Chicago Tribune

Naperville Sun | Feb 24, 2022 at 6:49 PM Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. The Naperville Woman’s Club building at 14 S. Washington STreet is one of the city’s three local landmarks. (Pioneer Press) The history of the 14 S. Washington St. building where the Naperville Woman’s Club meets dates back to the days of Naperville founder Joseph Naper. ● In 1841, the U.S. Congress passed the Preemption Act, which allowed Joseph Naper to acquire a 160-acre tract of land on Feb. 7, 1842, at a cost of $200 or $1.25 per acre. The lot where the church/clubhouse was later built is part of Joe Naper’s parcel. ● On Dec. 10, 1842, the tract was deeded to Charles B. Hosmer, who subdivided the property into 50-by-150-foot lots. The area immediately behind these lots was designated as a public square and known today as Central Park. ● During the next 40 years, portions of the block of land went through many hands. After the death of John Riddler (1866) and Elizabeth Riddler (1882), the tract including the 14 S. Washington St. lot was…
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