About Steve Grobl

Naperville is one of the finest towns to grow up in, live in and raise a family in. I am fortunate to have been able to live here since day one; day three or four to be exact. Naperville in 1959 had no hospital, so I was actually born in Aurora at St. Charles Hospital.

L.J.Kunsch, M.D., our family doctor and one of just a handful of physicians in town, was often seen in his Cadillac speeding along farm roads to Aurora for an "emergency." Buzzy Nelson, one of the best mechanics around, kept Doc's car in top shape so he did not get stranded "out in the country" late at night. Buzz still works on my cars today. I still run a monthly "tab" with him, although he now takes credit cards.

The Naperville-Population 7000 sign is still visible in my memory. Today we are closing in on population 150,000. Finding a diagonal parking place in front of Oswald's Pharmacy at any time of day was never a problem. Oswald's is still in business, in fact my orchestra played at the wedding of current owners, Nicki and Bill Anderson.

Watching the Fourth of July fireworks from the Central High Stadium bleachers and parking just steps away is contrasted today by crowds of over 50,000 enjoying Rib Fest and the fireworks.

Three outdoor tennis courts at the high school were about the extent of the Park District facilities. In fact, kids had fewer organized activities in those days. The neighborhood I grew up in, bordered a farm that is now Hobson West subdivision.

For excitement we would hop the fence, fan out around a herd of cattle, and create a stampede. Pamplona, Spain and the running of the bulls had nothing over Naperville, except publicity.

The Steve Grobl Orchestra at the DuPage
County Airport, boarding a private charter
for a performance at an Omaha,
Nebraska wedding.

Plan on staying in town in late May because one of Naperville's signature events is the Memorial Day Parade. Marching bands, antique cars, veterans, fire engines, kids and spectators by the thousands combine to form a mosaic and a memorable experience for those of all ages.

From the pictures below you can see I have graduated from years of marching in the parade, to driving one of my cars and a veteran dignitary. Marching, driving or watching does not matter; your being there matters, especially to the veterans.

Another memory also involves a Naperville native. Bill left Naperville for college and made stops in Hong Kong and Boston, before returning home, years later. He made an offer on one of my listings. Seller and buyer were a few thousand dollars apart. I called him in his car enroute to Milwaukee and more or less told him to step up and purchase the Naperville lifestyle for his family. He did! And has never had a moment of regret since. In fact he said that the purchase was one of the best decisions he has ever made. He purchased an estate property with a pool and claims that it has added years to his life. The yard work is exercise. The pool and sauna are relaxing.