Naper Settlement celebrates mansion's birthday

Naper Settlement will celebrate the Martin Mitchell Mansion's 130th birthday with activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at the living-history museum at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

George Martin, a successful Naperville businessman, moved into the two-story, 12-room brick home in the summer of 1884 with his wife, Sibelia, and their three adult children.

"Today, the mansion continues to be the crown jewel of Naper Settlement and looks better than ever," Director of Learning Experiences Nancy Smith said. "We're inviting the community to share in the celebration of this grand Victorian home's birthday party."

Visitors can stroll the 12-acre museum campus, check out the historic homes and businesses and take a tour of the mansion. Cupcakes from DeEtta's Bakery and lemonade will be served (while supplies last) and it's also a Settlement Sunday, with free ice cream sundaes served from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Visitors can make a birthday hat, receive a temporary tattoo and join the junior volunteers for games.

The day also kicks off the yearlong Pass the Plate journey of a special commemorative dish that will be filled and passed throughout the community. The first recipient of the plate is Stephanie Penick, longtime Naperville resident, Daily Herald columnist, publisher of Positively Naperville, "scratch" baker, former cake shop owner, creative cake book author, and previous public relations manager for Naper Settlement. She will be receiving the plate filled with cupcakes from DeEtta's Bakery. The plate recipients will share their recipes; with whom they are sharing the plate and what special occasion is being celebrated. The special plate with an image of the mansion was designed by Naper Settlement Marketing and Sales Representative Cheri Tompkins.

Interested parties can track the plate each month on Naper Settlement's Web page at www.napersettlement.org, Facebook page at www.facebook.com/napersettlement or on Twitter @napersettlement.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for youths ages 4-12. Naperville residents, members and children younger than 4 are free.