A note from from Mayor Brian Turnbull...


** NORTHVILLIANS,
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Today, I’m writing about past holiday traditions. One of my grandfathers (the electrician) told stories about Henry Ford, and how he and wife Clara hosted Christmas square dances in the Ville back in the late 1800’s. My other grandfather (the barber) spoke about cutting Henry’s hair on occasion. Early in the 1900’s, electricity hit its stride in town and Mr. Ford and others supported lighting up the whole town with colorful seasonal lights. It was similar to today’s Wayne County’s Lightfest on Hines Drive.

Additionally, there were stories of all the bells in the churches and the fire department simultaneously “RINGING IN” Christmas Day and New Year’s.

In this holiday newsletter we ‘ll talk about some of these past traditions in Northville …

But first, let's see what's going on during this holiday season...
* Mill Race Festival of Trees – Stroll through the beautiful Historic Mill Race Village with the whole family to see all the lit trees and feel the holiday spirit.

* NHS Holiday Concerts – High School Choirs and Bands perform 12/19 and 12/20 at 7pm. See link for details and tickets. Link ([link removed])

* Tipping Point Theater – Featuring “A Very Northville Christmas” through 12/23. See link for tickets. Link ([link removed])

* Holiday to Remember – Located in downtown Northville 12/23, from 4-7pm, featuring free Horse & Buggy Rides, Carolers, Bagpiper, Vendors, and More.
www.downtownnorthville.com

* New Year’s Eve (NYE) Party – Cheers with Northville Beers 12/31, starting at 6pm, hosted by Gather Northville, North Center Brewing, and Great White Buffalo Brewing Co. Includes dinner, craft beers, trivia, prizes, and karaoke. Advance tickets required and can be purchased online at gathernorthville.com ([link removed])

* MLK Northville Gathering – 1/14, 2pm at Northville Community Center with food (from Genitti’s, Great Harvest, and Sweet Brew N Spice), fellowship, Northville High School Choir and viewing of Rev. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Details to follow in coming weeks.

* Save Mary Gilbert’s Historic Northville Log Cabin! The Northville River Task Force Restoration needs your help to move an innovative cabin built on the river by a single woman in the 1930s. See link for information and to support. Link ([link removed])

Northville Holiday Traditions:
Historically, many local support organizations (VFW, American Legion, Woman’s Club, Rotary, Masons, Civic Concern, our spiritual centers and others) have put together Christmas baskets for those in need in our community. These efforts continue today and represent the true spirit of Northville’s generosity.
* OPERA HOUSE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES - During the 1800’s and early 1900’s, Holiday Shows at the historic Northville Opera House on Dunlap & Center were a highlight of the Season for all in southeast Michigan. Many came to town via stagecoach, train and trolley to attend festive events at the old Opera House (capacity 800).

* TREE LIGHTINGS - Tree lighting ceremonies have occurred since the arrival of electricity in our town. Additionally, Northville created a canopy of colorful lights crossing the streets that many in Michigan came to see. In recent times, tree lightings have occurred at Mill Race Village, the Community Center, Dr. Demray’s Dental Office and Town Square.

* CAROLING – Traditionally, after the Tree lightings, Christmas Carol sing-alongs would be led by the Northville Community band and the High School Choirs. They would continue down the streets and neighborhoods, including the Historic District, Cabbagetown, Bealtown and Orchard Heights.

* HOLIDAY MOVIES - A 1955 Northville Record article spoke about the tradition of Christmas movies being shown before the holiday break to all school children at the Marquis Theatre. Back then, the Theatre was called the P & A (Penniman & Allen) and School Superintendent Russell Amerman (namesake for Amerman School) played Santa. The Marquis Theater is gearing up for future musical and holiday events. In fact, they recently hosted the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and the Northville Chorale to sold-out crowds.

* SANTA - Through the years, Santa has come to town via sleigh, motor vehicle, a bright red pickup, fire truck, train and trolley. And, believe it or not, even by helicopter in 1971 (arranged by Chuck Lapham, President of the Retail Merchants Association)!

* TRADITIONS - Many Northville traditions have occurred over the years, including annual Christmas Walks, Caroling and lighted Santa Parades that welcomed old Kris Kringle. Around Christmas time, we’ve seen horse & buggy rides, a Christmas trolley, Holiday Home Tours and Greens Markets, and even Candlelight Walks with luminaries lining downtown streets to guide Santa’s sleigh. As mentioned, the Mill Race Village team always gets into the spirit by decorating their Victorian grounds. I highly recommend a stroll around the Village some night.

In closing, I truly wish each and every one of you a joyous Holiday Season, spending time with family and friends and others in your life. As always, I encourage you to share your time & talents with those in need around you. Reach out and spread the good Cheer!

Keep that Northville Holiday Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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