NORTHVILLIANS,
In this week’s letter, I’m writing about Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 16th), about the time winter starts to wind down. This year’s holiday is following a weekend where temps finally got above freezing. The song “Here Comes the Sun” was on our minds.
Historically, governors and other dignitaries have visited Northville around Presidents’ Day (in good weather and bad) and for other civic occasions. Notably, on separate occasions, Presidents Joe Biden and George H. W. Bush came through Northville while running for office. In this issue, I am going to touch on Presidents’ Day and activities around town through the years.
BACKGROUND OF PRESIDENTS’ DAY
- Presidents’ Day (George Washington’s Birthday) is a holiday in the U.S., celebrated the third Monday of February to honor all persons who served as President.
- This federal holiday especially honors our first President, George Washington. Additionally, this day historically pays tribute to President Lincoln. From 1879–1971, it was known as Washington’s birthday celebration until it became Presidents’ Day.
BEFORE WE LOOK AT PRESIDENTS’ DAY ACTIVITIES … let’s see what’s going on today!
Special Mention – Randolph Drain Grants of $1.5M have been secured (State $750K & Federal $850K) to rebuild High Street bridge & ancillary areas (Wayne/Oakland County Drain Authority)
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 3/18/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
- Cemetery Renewal Task Force – 3/23/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold – Chair)
(See Link for information or Link to donate/support)
Let’s look back on past Presidents’ Day activities in town …
The following happenings are chronicled in The Northville Record:
Presidents
- 1934 – Albert Kohler (Northville native) decorated a record-setting 250-lb cake for Pres. Roosevelt’s birthday on 1/30. It was sent to the White House for the celebration.
- 1992 – President George H. W. Bush (1989-1993) & First Lady Barbara Bush slowed down their campaign train as they came through Northville’s Cabbagetown and Bealtown areas, waving to those gathered along both sides of the track.
- 2024 – President Biden’s motorcade was greeted by Northvillians lining the sidewalk as it made its way to the Garage Grill & Fuel Bar (in our Historic district) where he spoke with locals and national media representatives. The President exited through the Orchard Heights area.
GOVERNORS in Town – Numerous Michigan governors have come to town for various activities through the years, especially around Presidents’ Day:
- 1904 – Gov. Warner visited Northville routinely and lived close by in Farmington. He owned the Clover Dairy, and many of his 13 cheese factories were in the area. In 1904 he spoke at our band shell where he launched his governor’s race.
- 1932 – Gov. Brucker spent time in Northville at our Wayne County Fair. (Largest in MI)
- 1950 – Gov. (Soapy) Williams opened the Northville Downs racing season, along with speaking at and dedicating the Northville State Hospital (Legacy Park today).
- 1962 – Gov. Romney, Mitt Romney’s father & former Chairman of American Motors, launched his campaign for governor in Northville.
- 1982 – Gov. Bill Milliken spent time in our city and had a small Northville flag on his desk in Lansing (given to him during his first visit here).
- 1998 – Gov. Engler signed legislation in the City of Northville during the fall season before stopping at our historic Parmenter’s Cider Mill.
- 2003 – Gov. Jennifer Granholm lived here in the community and went on to become the United States Secretary of Energy.
- 2012 – Gov. Snyder took spirited questions from residents at a Town Hall meeting.
- 2019 – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been to town on numerous occasions since 2019.
As you can see, Presidents, Governors and other notables have visited our community over the years, making their mark especially around Presidents’ Day. Now it’s time to make YOUR mark – we all have 60 minutes in each hour and 24 hours in a day, and it’s how we use this time that makes a difference in Life. Today, I challenge you to make a difference for your community!
Keep that Northville Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville