Naperville’s Favorite Home  

Naperville Community Television, Channel 17 has completed the project entitled Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow: The Martin Mitchell Mansion Story. The documentary, funded in part by the Rotary Clubs of Naperville Sunrise Foundation “Fund for the Arts” features the Martin Mitchell Mansion and the compelling story that originated from within its walls. In a cooperative effort with Naper Settlement, NCTV17 has preserved this culturally significant piece of Naperville history into television art form.

The 30 minute documentary tells the story of the Martin family, their family business, and Caroline Martin Mitchell’s generous bequest of the Mansion and the surrounding 212 acres to the City of Naperville. In addition, the documentary showcases the recent meticulous restoration of the Mansion. The viewer is treated to authentic costumed re-enactments depicting life in this gracious period. Interviews with historical experts such as Peggy Frank, Debbie Grinnell, Dr. Ann Keating, and Mary Lou Wehrli provide insight into the engaging journey of the family and their resulting generous gift. Exquisite footage of the restored mansion both inside and out transports the viewer to the culture and décor of that time. Aerial footage of the mansion and the 212 acres gives an appreciation of the enormity of the gift. Additional anecdotes such as that of the groundskeeper give yet a deeper understanding of life in the mansion.

The Naperville Community Television production team was lead by Emmy award-winning Executive Director and Executive Producer Elizabeth Braham Spencer. Former NCTV17 intern and Baseline creator and producer Maureen Rowland produced and edited the documentary that is both educational and entertaining. The historically accurate script and video montage is augmented by vibrant graphics and music and sound enhancements.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: The Martin Mitchell Mansion Story was previewed at the September 29 th, 2006 Sunrise Rotary meeting. The documentary will begin airing on Channel 17 in November celebrating lessons of giving from Naperville’s premier home. DVDs will be available for purchase after that by calling the NCTV17 Studio at 630.355.2124.