While the house was built and paid for by Robert Mitchell (1811-1900), Owner of the Mitchell-Ramelsburg furniture Company, it was given as a present to his daughter-in-law, Mary Lucia “Pearl” Lincoln Mitchell (1850-1937). It was she, her husband, Richard Hannaford Mitchell (1850-1927) and their eleven surviving children, who lived in the house.
Richard’s middle name was Hannaford which was his mother’s maiden name (Robert’s first wife – Harriet Hannaford). There is no known connection with Samuel Hannaford, architect who designed the Mitchell Mansion.
Richard Hannaford Mitchell and Mary Pearl Lincoln were married in 1871 and lived in at least two homes – Mt. Auburn and Clifton (Resor Avenue), prior to moving into “Enniskillen” (which is the name given to the mansion) in 1891. They had already given birth to ten children before moving in. As a matter of fact, their oldest daughter, Mary Harriet Mitchell White, was engaged and married during the first year of the mansion’s occupancy, and Mary began giving birth to her seven children while her mother was giving birth to her last two.
The family occupied the home from 1891 until 1927. During that time, all surviving eleven children grew up and moved away. By 1916 only Richard, Mary Pearl, and their servants occupied the the house. In 1917, Monica Mitchell and her husband, Dr. H. Hoppe, and his two daughters, Rosemary and Bette Hoppe, ages 8 and 5, were asked to move back into the home. After the war, two sons, Lincoln and Francis, moved back into the house until they were married. It was Monica Mitchell who eventually took over the management of the home until Paul Lincoln sold it to the Catholic Archdiocese. (Monica’s picture is the one hanging in the office over the staff mailboxes.)
The Mitchells were very social and very devoted to their extended family members, so the house was often filled with visitors and the sounds of children. We like to think they would be very pleased, seeing how many children and families enjoy this beautiful home and grounds every day. The gift of this home continues to give as we feel its welcome in the beauty of its details (the gargoyles, the pointed turret, the carved woodwork and fireplace mantels– all details chosen and given by the Mitchell family. Thank you.