Holiday Mansion Tours at Naper Settlement

The Martin Mitchell Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a showpiece of Naper Settlement, especially decked out in full holiday splendor. Tours will be held at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Admission is $7 per person; $5 Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. There is limited space for each tour. Call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.org.

This year, the Mansion will be decorated and interpreted to coincide with the anniversary of World War I, also known as The Great War, which occurred between 1914 and 1918. As the war begins in Europe, the Martin family is watching events unfold along with the rest of the nation.

“Our focus has been on the 19th century for many years,” said Jennifer Bridge, Curator of Exhibits and Interpretation. “It’s been fun to move into the 20th century and see how the lives of the people in the Mansion changed.”

The dinner table will be set for Caroline Martin Mitchell, her husband Edward, Caroline’s sister, Lizzie, and brother, George. Mid-day dinner on Christmas Day was the focus of many home celebrations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. By 1914, the meal was less elaborate and rich than the menus of the Victorian era. Naperville families also could simplify their preparations by purchasing some ready-made menu items, like Batavia brand plum puddings, from local stores.

For those who want to know more about how the holiday traditions began in the Victorian era, a special program will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 with a guided tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, followed by an informative presentation about the history of the holiday by a costumed interpreter. Sip tea and munch on holiday cookies in the historic Pre-Emption House Tavern while hearing about holiday traditions, such as Christmas trees, ornaments, peppermint pigs and the Christmas pickle. Be prepared to walk outdoors to the mansion. Tickets are $18 per person; $16 for Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members. Reservations are required; call (630) 420-6010.

The mansion’s decorations also tie with the History Speaks Lecture Series program, “World War I Christmas Miracle,” that will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Author Rochelle Pennington will discuss the true story included in her book, “Christmas Gifts: Ten of the Greatest Ever Given.” Drawing directly from the written memories of those soldiers who participated in the events of Christmas 1914, this presentation will detail the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the war that miraculously halted at Christmas. Tickets at the door are $7 adults and seniors; $6 youth 4-12 and students. Save $1 on advance tickets by calling (630) 420-6010.

After the programs, stay to enjoy the holiday decorations of Naper Lights, sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Naperville, which will be aglow from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning Friday, Nov. 28 through New Year’s Day.