Caroline Martin Mitchell, circa 1890s
Caroline Martin, circa 1880s
The song “Caroline Martin Mitchell” by contemporary songwriter Amy Lowe tells the story of the Martin family:
George Martin the Second in 1833
Came to Naper’s Settlement, invested time and energy
He mined limestone quarries, filled a niche
Raised four children and the quarries made him rich
In 1871 after the Great Chicago Fire,
With Ernst Von Oven his fortunes grew higher
Together they built the Naperville Tile & Brick Works
Made a fortune off Chicago’s reconstruction work and
Furnished foundations much of Naperville rests upon
George Martin the Second’s legacy lives on
In 1883 he built the Martin Mansion
Called it “Pinecraig” after pine trees his daughters planted
After his death the family business carried on
The only child to ever marry was his daughter Caroline (Carrie)
She wanted the Martin legacy to live on beyond their days
Childless and a widow all of her family passed away
She donated to the city (when she died age 72)
Pinecraig and 212 acres to be used for public use
On that land today stands Naper Settlement
Sledding hill, a high school and paddle boats to rent
Boy Scout camp, Riverwalk just to name a few
Centennial Beach, Knoch Park
Caroline Martin Mitchell
Naperville thanks you