Four downtown Naperville businesses with a combined 278 years of history will be honored Sunday, Aug. 9, when Naperville Neighborly Day takes over West Chicago Avenue between Washington and Main streets.

Henczel's Barber Shop is being recognized for its centennial. Anderson's Bookshop marks 151 years across six generations. The Lantern celebrates 60 years on the southwest corner of Washington and Chicago. Dean's Clothing hits 67 years on South Main Street.

DuPagePads, a nonprofit focused on ending homelessness in DuPage County, is organizing the block party and will toast each business during the free event, which runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The gathering, formerly known as Old Naperville Day, returns after a two-year hiatus caused by the Washington Street bridge construction. As we reported in July, it's the first since 2023.

The roots run deep.

Anderson's Bookshop at 123 W. Jefferson Ave. traces its origins to 1875, when great-great-grandfather William Wallace Wickel purchased a pharmacy in downtown Naperville. Fifth-generation owner Becky Anderson now runs the shop with her son Charlie stepping up as general manager, representing the sixth generation. In a June 2025 profile marking the store's 150th anniversary, Anderson told the Chicago Tribune: "That's what we do. We will always greet you. We will always find that book for you."

Henczel's Barber Shop at 109 Jackson Ave. describes itself as five generations of skilled barbers. Tom Fantauzzo and Will Plumley took over ownership in August 2023, carrying forward a shop the event organizers are honoring for 100 years of service.

Dean's Clothing at 226 S. Main St. started in 1959 when Dean DeGeeter opened a boys' clothing store that also supplied school uniforms. His son Greg DeGeeter took over at age 23 and still runs the shop, which has expanded into fine clothing for men and women.

The Lantern at 8 W. Chicago Ave. launched the original block party in 2016 to celebrate its own 50th anniversary. Co-manager Teri Feldott told the Chicago Tribune that organizing the event became too much work for the bar to handle alone, leading The Lantern to pass the baton to DuPagePads.

This may be the last time the event takes its current form. Chad Pedigo, DuPagePads chief development officer, said the organization plans to host it in its "original form one more time" before potentially altering the location or format.

The city provided $15,300 through its Special Events and Community Arts grant program to cover city services for Sunday's event. Admission is free. Food vendors include The Lantern, Kreger's Brat and Sausage Haus, John's Ribs House, Kona Ice and chef Terrell Cole of Dark Horse Grill and Catering. Live music runs all day, headlined by Maggie Speaks.