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Not just another suburb - A place in history

History at it's heart - The Naper Settlement

Right in central Naperville is a piece of land preserved as it might have been in the 1800's. A cultural museum called the Naper Settlement

Located on Aurora Avenue, just steps from Naperville's thriving downtown and renowned riverwalk... the Naper Settlement preserves a long and rich history to the benefit of the community. A 13 acre 19th century village complete with costumed villagers.

Enter the Settlement at the Pre-Emption house, a hotel and tavern where Grover Cleveland and Abraham Lincoln would stop for a pint or two. Abraham Lincoln once gave a speech from the Pre-emption house roof. This building is a recreation of the original which was located just a couple of blocks away.

The expansive grounds are home to many historical buildings... one of the most notable being the Martin Mitchell Mansion a beautifully restored mansion and carriage home from 1883. A three year renovation at a cost of 2.8 million dollars has returned this magnificient building to it's former grandeur. The Martin Mitchell Mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to it's many magnificient structures, the settlement is home to many of the more modest dwellings of Naperville's early settlers, including a log house, blacksmith shop, chapel (available for weddings) and firehouse.

Not only does the Naper Settlement offer a delightful return to yesteryear but it reaches out as a vital member of the community, hosting numerous events for the town (Civil War Days etc) and hosting many outings for the local schools. Truly one of Naperville's hidden gems and a beacon of community spirit!

Visit my site for more information about Naperville or Naperville Real Estate call me at 630-717-7386

Posted by Angus in Naperville IL on 01/12/2007 11:08 PM

Comments (39)

naperville, illinois, dupage county, will county, attractions

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39 Comments on Not just another suburb - A place in history

JAN

2007

Moo...... nice layout. The mansion looks to be in great shape. You forget about the civil war being up in your neck of the woods. Curious....was there much action near there? In Illinois? My history slips after the beginning of the Civil War.....

JAN

2007

Angus, those are beautful houses. They remind me of properties in areas outside of Austin, like Georgetown. Those are very nice, peaceful-looking pictures.

That's great to see that your city takes such pride in their history and great care of their landmarks. In Las Vegas we implode things and rebuild!

Angus :: well done. Certainly makes me want to come give Naperville a visit! I'm a sucker for historical buildings.

Looks just like Connecticut! Nice layout and design to for a local blog. I need to start doing more of that. So much to blog about - So little time! And so much good stuff to comment about too!

Angus, I didn't even know this was in my back yard. I usually enjoy going to downtown Naperville for the great shopping and food. Thank you for putting together this wonderful information on Naperville historical buildings.

Jeff, Is a wonderful Naperville is a wonderful town and I am sure Angus would be the best host to show you around. You always have a place to stay! You have to come for Naperville's Ribfest - A success in so many ways.... mmmm

Angus, I've got to go out and take more photos of our area. Very nice post. Let's try to get each member on RE/MAX Active Rain Bloggers to write about their town.

I LOVE THIS ARTICLE! !

We have properties like this all over MD and Northern VA. I get photos whenever I can.

They show our history. They are Americana.

Wonderful photos.

Thanks.

Lenn

Angus, the Martin Mitchell house has gorgeous architecture. This place is not only beautiful and fun but a great learning experience (by osmosis for kids who might say what a great bronze horse but then get more out of the visit anyway lol)

Very nice post Moo.

The heck with the houses, show me the shopping!

Awesome Local content MOO - the mansion is fantastic and also very glad it has been preserved and restored. What do they do during Civil War days? Is it one of those re-enactments where the whole town has a part? I find those so entertaining!

Nicely done. I am learning so much about all parts of the country I would still be unaware of. The layout is fabulous.

Whenever I see old homes like this and the stories such as Lincoln standing on the roof, I wonder about the homes built today and whether they'll still be standing a hundred years from now. Will the generations then say, "And this home was built in 2006, and President Bush stood on it's deck to give a speech." That's NOT a political comment, just a similar kind of statement to Lincoln.

It just seems that the workmanship or charater of homes being built now aren't the type to withstand the test of time.

Elaine, I'm afraid of heights but my house was built in 1913 so if you feel the need you can always drive up to Cleveland and stand on my roof :-)

Carole, not me ... I don't like heights either!

Elaine - you don't know how your statement impacts me. Architects used to design homes before to withstand time and style - the details of construction were amazing, and the workmanship even better. I am embarrased at times when I see new architecture in these thousand home developments with zero lot lines, out of scale, no character, no personality, poorly built and absolutely style-less. The ones that will withstand time are very few and it's very sad. I am such a romantic, when it comes to architecture that I can't even sell new construction. Let's go visit Carole in her 1913 home! must be breathtaking.

Ines you and I are of like minds (are we taking over Moo's post, where is he oh oh it's ok he wont mind LOL) the old character can't be beat. HOWEVER. Breathtaking does not describe my house. Old yes, utilitarian, yes, and very sturdy! LOL

Jeff - Thanks for the comments... There were no battles in Illinois that I am aware of, but there were a lot of soldiers that particpated in the war from the area. I emeber it like it was yesterday... lol

Dee - it's a small island in a sea of hub-bub...

John - Yes, but in Las Vegas... at least they do it all spectacularly!

Jeff - Naperville has got a lot of charms... this is one that we tend forget about.

Linda - I try to mix in some of the local stuff... but then I lose it and just try to have some fun.

Blanca - I live here and forget about The Naper Settlement! I get a little enthralled with all the great food and the Riverwalk... Thanks for pointing out my RibFest Blog... I'll be sponsoring again this year.

Kay - That's a great idea. It can only benefit everyone.

Lenn - That's a great compliment coming from you.. Thanks!

KK - I think that we'll be able to accomodate that!

Ines - There are several historical type of functions here... Truthfully, the whole town (140,000+) is blissfully unaware of most of them

Jennifer - Thanks! I'm learning a lot from everybody's too.

Elaine - You are right about today's houses... of course nothing is built the way they do in Europe.. those houses aren't going anywhere. I think if Hobest Abe had TV, he may not have stood on the roof either! LOL

Carole - I don't like heights either... I would have to outsource my standing on the roof responsibilities.

Elaine - We'll stay on the ground together!

Ines - Party at Caroles breathtaking house!... WooHoo!

Carole - OK..Party at Carole's "sturdy" house! (oh, and Hijack away!)

Moo - always making me laugh ...does that cow have a cell phone?

LOLOL That's Elsie calling everyone to the party; just be sure to bring your toolbelts and floor sanders etc. :-)

Ines - High tech bovine with it's own cow phone!

Carole - you might want to skip the floor sanders... I hear that The Real Estager likes champagne... could be dangerous...

Angus, THAT is a visual! :-)

It's cute how he gave us permission, no Carole? So I thank you, you COW MASTER, for letting us hijack your post. I'm off to bed now - so goodnight all.

Good night Ines, and Angus, I am still LOL at the cow phone. I might be counting high tech cows instead of sheep tonight :-)

JAN

2007

Cow Master - I like the sound of that. All hail to the Cow Master.

Linda..... Cow Master.... that's funny. What does it look like?

Hey Angus... ever go Cow tipping?

I forgot to mention this in my earlier comment - a response to Jeff B. Here in central Ohio, there were underground railroad homes. Plus, near downtown Columbus is a Confederate graveyard.

President MooMan speaks to the Nation!

LOLOL@ Elaine. That is too perfect

Elaine! That's awesome! You rock! I'll need to print this and put on my bulletin board next to Murphy the Cow Dog.

Moo

The pretender to the cow master throne...

Not everyone can be the "Cow Master"

JAN

2007

You liked that, huh?

Ines - I was highly amused that you thought it was "cute" that I "let" you hijack my post. As if I could resist the will of the bloggers! Or would even want to....

Poor Angus. He tries to do a sincere post for Localism and gaining business by being the expert ... and we all send him back out to the barnyard again! It's an addiction ... we just can't help ourselves.

Fun post to read.

Naperville is a great place to go for a day of shopping, lunching, and walking along the water.

Thanks Angus for the wonderful information about Naperville. It brought back memories of attending a wedding at the chapel of the Naper Settlement, many years ago.

JAN

2007

Elaine - I'm just glad that you all don't ignore me.

Jacqueline - Thanks for stopping by! It sounds like a great day to me!

Susan - Weddings are a regular happening at that chapel... I have yet to attend one there. I'll bet that it was very nice.

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