If walls could talk, the Martin Mitchell Mansion would have plenty to say.
“The home tells the story of a Scottish immigrant who came to Naperville in 1833 as a farmer and grain merchant,” said Bryan Ogg, curator of research at Naper Settlement. “His son worked hard farming and developed two businesses: brick and tile works and limestone quarries. His children carried on the business, and the home is the culmination of their life work, their heritage and their philanthropic ties to the community of Naperville.”
The home’s architectural style has been called “Victorian eclectic” and a “fine example of truly American architecture.” Designed by Aurora architect James Mulvey, the three-story, brick-and-stone home showcases materials from Martin’s limestone and brickwork businesses. Originally named Pinecraig, it was situated on Locust Hill, a small rise just south of the DuPage River at the Eagle Street crossing.
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The estate was eventually left to Mitchell’s daughter Caroline, the family’s sole survivor. Following her death, the property was deeded to the city of Naperville as a museum and park in 1936. In 2000, the Martin Mitchell Mansion underwent a three-year, $2.8 million restoration project.
Naper Settlement’s Director of Marketing Dawn Hartman said the Martin Mitchell Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular year-round attraction for the outdoor history museum.
“It is our most-toured building at Naper Settlement and is a stop on many of our school tours offered to the (more than) 32,000 children and teachers that visit each year,” Hartman said.
Jane Donahue is a freelance writer.
Martin Mitchell Mansion
Building size: There are four floors, including an attic and basement. There are 14 rooms open to the public.
What’s in a name? According to Ogg, the home was originally named Pinecraig “after the pine trees planted around the site and the hill or crag upon which it stands.” When the house became a museum in 1939, it was named the Caroline Martin Mitchell Museum after the last remaining family member and granddaughter of Scottish immigrant George Martin.
Building age: 1882-1883
Original use: It was the family residence for George Martin II, who lived there with his wife, Sibelia, and their daughters, Elizabeth, Katherine and Caroline.
Current use: The museum, open during regular hours for guided tours, is the most toured building at Naper Settlement.
Did you know? Although the home is built from Martin brick and limestone, the outside of the house is coated in parge, a dyed cement that looks like brick.