LEARN ABOUT
DOCUMENTARIES
IN PROGRESS
DOCUMENTARIES
IN PROGRESS
One of the hallmarks of Naperville Community Television is its commitment to preserving the Naperville area’s rich history in television documentary art form. Over the past few years, NCTV17’s documentary production team has produced numerous feature-length documentaries. Produced in cooperation with Naper Settlement, the documentaries educate and entertain by capturing and celebrating stories of historical significance in our community.
The NCTV17 documentary production team is led by Executive Director Liz Spencer. Her extensive documentary production experience is derived from projects with national distribution including A Day in the Life of a US Senator and AIDS Knows Your Name. Under her leadership, the NCTV17 collection has won numerous awards including a National Communicator Crystal Award of Excellence and two awards from the Illinois State Historical Society.
Spencer brought her successful three-phase model for documentary production to NCTV17. The methodology involves a heavy emphasis on story development followed by expert production. The documentary methodology begins with the Pre-Production phase which includes extensive research and is where the ideas for the story are fully examined and developed. The second phase is Production where the actual tapings take place; this includes interviews, historical re-enactments, and a multitude of camera shots that relate to the story. The final phase is the Post-Production phase that includes transcribing, scripting, editing, music, graphics, and opening and closing sequences; this is the phase that brings all the elements together with a creative and artful finish.
In addition to airing extensively on Naperville Community Television, the NCTV17 documentaries are also placed in the Naperville libraries and preserved at Naper Settlement for generations to come. The NCTV17-produced documentaries are truly “forever” pieces that provide the community with educational insight into their heritage, instill respect for the spirit of the community that began long ago, and inspire the citizens of today.
Spencer brought her successful three-phase model for documentary production to NCTV17. The methodology involves a heavy emphasis on story development followed by expert production. The documentary methodology begins with the Pre-Production phase which includes extensive research and is where the ideas for the story are fully examined and developed. The second phase is Production where the actual tapings take place; this includes interviews, historical re-enactments, and a multitude of camera shots that relate to the story. The final phase is the Post-Production phase that includes transcribing, scripting, editing, music, graphics, and opening and closing sequences; this is the phase that brings all the elements together with a creative and artful finish.
In addition to airing extensively on Naperville Community Television, the NCTV17 documentaries are also placed in the Naperville libraries and preserved at Naper Settlement for generations to come. The NCTV17-produced documentaries are truly “forever” pieces that provide the community with educational insight into their heritage, instill respect for the spirit of the community that began long ago, and inspire the citizens of today.
COMPLETED DOCUMENTARIES
DOCUMENTARY TRAILERS
Naperville Recollections:
Family Business
Naperville Recollections: Family Business is the most recent addition to Naperville Community Television’s award-winning documentary series. The documentary features the businesses Anderson’s Bookshops, Oswald’s Pharmacy, Kreger’s Central Foods, Beidelman Furniture and Biedelman-Kunsch Funeral Home. In the 30 minute documentary viewers will hear how the Anderson, Kreger and Beidelman families have successfully adapted over many decades to an ever-changing world, endured throughout a fluctuating economic climate, overcome competition from larger organizations, and worked with multiple generations of family. Family business experts along with the family members themselves highlight the challenges and opportunities unique to a family business. Family Business
The production of Naperville Recollections: Family Business was led by Executive Producer Elizabeth Braham Spencer and Producer Matt Peace; the documentary was partially funded by a grant from the City of Naperville.
The Band Plays On
The Band Plays On” commemorates the band’s 150th anniversary which they have been celebrating throughout 2009. This entertaining and exciting documentary chronicles the band’s beginnings and shows their growth throughout their long and storied existence in Naperville.This documentary includes fascinating and insightful interviews with musicians and experts, including Director Ron Keller and Ann Lord, the Mistress of Ceremonies since 1957. The band’s participation in the Naperville community is larger than life and you will want to see highlights of the band as they march in parades, through re-enactments of earlier days in historically accurate uniforms, concerts in the park,
and footage from their tuxedo-clad indoor concerts.
“The Band Plays On” was produced in partnership with the Naperville Municipal Band and partially funded by a grant from the City of Naperville.
A Hallmark of Heritage
As part of the Naperville Heritage Society’s 40th anniversary NCTV17 partnered with the Heritage Society to create an entertaining and exciting documentary that chronicles its beginnings and the formation of Naper Settlement and its rise to community and national prominence. Led by NCTV17’s Executive Director Liz Spencer, the documentary includes the moving of Century Chapel, the story of the Weed Ladies, and the introduction of its first employee Peggy Frank. “A Hallmark of Heritage” will serve as commemorative treasure for the entire community for years to come. Interviews with founding members, past and present board members and presidents, in addition to Naper Settlement staff members and Executive Director Peggy Frank give
insight into the success of the Heritage Society. Rare historical images captured throughout the past 40 years help bring the inspiring story to life and you won’t want to miss it.
Two Brothers, One Beer, and the American Dream
Over a period of fourteen months the Naperville Community Television production team traveled across the county and back to capture interviews for the documentary, “Two Brothers, One Beer, and the American Dream.” The documentary chronicles the story of the Stenger family brewery, which was one of the larger Naperville employers in the mid-1800’s. The documentary was produced in cooperation with the Naper Settlement and brought to the community by descendents Ron Stenger and Paul Stenger.In the 1840’s, the Stenger family came to Naperville from Germany and began the brewery. Located at Franklin Avenue between Webster and Main, the Stenger Brewery was known to produce up to 17,000
barrels of beer a year. At one point a young Adolph Coors was in a supervisory role before heading west to begin his own brewery. The documentary presents the story of the Stenger brothers John and Nick who settled in Naperville and founded the brewery; a look at the role beer played in society; and how the brewery contributed to the development of Naperville.
“Two Brothers, One Beer, and the American Dream” has been the winner of numerous awards including the Illinois State Historical Society’s Superior Multi-Media Award. Watch this compelling story retold through interviews with family descendents, historical, and industry experts as well as re-enactments, including from the beer tunnels of Wisconsin.
“Two Brothers, One Beer, and the American Dream” has been the winner of numerous awards including the Illinois State Historical Society’s Superior Multi-Media Award. Watch this compelling story retold through interviews with family descendents, historical, and industry experts as well as re-enactments, including from the beer tunnels of Wisconsin.
Naperville Recollections: Series,
Les Schrader, Jane Sindt, and the Art of Letter Writing
NCTV17’s new documentary history series, “Recollections” is underway and you won’t want to miss this exciting first installment. Amidst all the excitement of e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook it is important to pause and take a moment and think about the founding idea behind these social networks and how long-distance communication came into existence. In NCTV17’s “Naperville Recollections” among other stories, learn about the history of the Paw Paw Post Office and the art of letter writing. Les Schrader, Jane Sindt, and the Art of Letter Writing
Interviews with local experts will guide you through local artist and historian Les Schrader’s life as he
created paintings that were almost photographic in detail and historically accurate. You are probably aware of the Naperville Heritage Society, but not everyone knows about its founder and first president Jane Sindt. Sindt helped ensure the preservation of the Century Memorial Chapel. Don’t miss “Naperville Recollections” where you can learn about the events that have helped shape Naperville into the wonderful community that it has become. This project is funded by a grant from the City of Naperville.
A Role of Their Own
What do Clarissa Hobson, Hannah Ditzler, Caroline Martin Mitchell, Matie Egermann, Genevieve Towsley, Peg Price, and Mary Lou Cowlishaw have in common? Each one of these influential women contributed spirit, intelligence, passion, and devotion to the vibrant shaping of Naperville. Naperville Community Television, Channel 17 is proud to celebrate the efforts of these women in their documentary, “A Role of Their Own.”Throughout the documentary, the stories of these women are artistically woven together through common themes such as education, war, love, motherhood, politics, and the preservation of Naperville’s history. While they all shared a love for
Naperville, each carved her own unique position that would make a significant impact still felt today.
The women of past generations are brought to life through re-enactments in the period that they each lived. Peg Price and Mary Lou Cowlilshaw give insight themselves into the challenges and reward of their considerable leadership efforts. Along the way, the words and actions of these influential ladies will encourage both men and women alike.
“A Role of Their Own” is funded by a grant from the City of Naperville and features original music by Apocalypse Cow Productions.
The women of past generations are brought to life through re-enactments in the period that they each lived. Peg Price and Mary Lou Cowlilshaw give insight themselves into the challenges and reward of their considerable leadership efforts. Along the way, the words and actions of these influential ladies will encourage both men and women alike.
“A Role of Their Own” is funded by a grant from the City of Naperville and features original music by Apocalypse Cow Productions.
Moments in Time
The community of Naperville and The Century Walk has both undergone a captivating journey and as a result Naperville residents can be proud of this city and how artwork has brought everyone together. Watch “Moments in Time” and pay homage to The Century Walk’s artwork that tells the story of Naperville’s significant people, places, and events of the 21st century.Century Walk Founder Brand Bobosky provides fascinating details about how the pieces came to be chosen, funded, and uniquely crafted. You’ll get to see how some of the sculptures are actually made and peek into the thoughts of the artists. Art enthusiasts including Jini Clare, Rita Harvard, Steve Hyett, and
Stephanie Penick share insight about the artwork and its role in Naperville’s inspirational character.
NCTV17 has captured several of the pieces as they were unveiled. In “Moments in Time” you’ll see the “Veterans Valor” sculpture as it was uncovered before the very World War II veterans it honors. Everyone will smile when they see “Officer Friendly” unveiled by the beloved original, Mayor Pradel. NCTV17 was fortunate to be there to catch these everlasting moments. Produced in cooperation with the Century Walk and funded in part by a grant from the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise Foundation, the documentary will give you an even deeper appreciation for the artwork enjoyed by the community and visitors.
NCTV17 has captured several of the pieces as they were unveiled. In “Moments in Time” you’ll see the “Veterans Valor” sculpture as it was uncovered before the very World War II veterans it honors. Everyone will smile when they see “Officer Friendly” unveiled by the beloved original, Mayor Pradel. NCTV17 was fortunate to be there to catch these everlasting moments. Produced in cooperation with the Century Walk and funded in part by a grant from the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise Foundation, the documentary will give you an even deeper appreciation for the artwork enjoyed by the community and visitors.
The Naperville Riverwalk:
The First 25 Years
This is more than a story of a linear park; it is the story of the spirit of Naperville and how its citizens came together to celebrate its first 150 years, and turned the The First 25 Years
city’s eye sore into its crown jewel. Produced in partnership with the Riverwalk Foundation and is partially supported by a grant from the City of Naperville.
Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow: The Martin Mitchell Mansion Story
This 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. This documentary was funded in part by The Rotary Club of Naperville Fund for the Arts.
Community Building on the Great Frontier: The Story of Joseph Naper & the Founding of Naperville
The first feature documentary produced about our City’s founder sheds light on Joseph Naper the man; his vision, struggles, and triumphs; and how he helped build the community we know today. “Community Building on the Great Frontier” was funded by a grant from the City of Naperville.One in a Million: The Cock Robin and Prince Castles Story
In 1931, Walter Fredenhagen and his boyhood friend, Earl Prince opened the first of five Prince Castle Ice Cream Shops in Naperville, IL. Their partnership was sealed with a handshake and would lead to many ice cream innovations such as the multi-mixer shake machine, see-through ice cream containers and the square ice cream scoop. Businessman Ray Kroc later entered the scene and eventually would become the head of sales operations for the Cock Robin and Prince Castles organization. On behalf of the organization Kroc was selling the innovative multi-mixer shake machine to the McDonald brothers. In 1954 Kroc would go on to purchase the small-scale McDonalds Corporation, for the sum of 2.7 million dollars.This documentary is the story of a man, his dreams and the simple pleasure of ice cream. One in a Million: The Cock Robin and Prince Castles Story was awarded the Crystal Communicator Award of Excellence by the National Communicator Awards in 2005.
