NORTHVILLIANS,
In this week’s letter, I’m writing about Black History Month (February), and I ‘ll highlight some historic Northville touchpoints and the people who have made a difference.
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans in the United States. It honors people from all periods of U.S. history. This observance originated in the U.S. in 1969 and migrated to other countries.
I will recognize local individuals and contributions by Northvillians surrounding the heroic network known as the “Underground Railroad.” Estimates suggest that before the mid-1800’s, a hundred thousand people escaped to freedom via this travel system, and perhaps close to forty thousand passed through Northville on their way to Canada.
Before looking into Northvillian touchpoints regarding Black History Month, let’s see what’s happening in town 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)
HISTORIC BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONTRIBUTIONS!
I would like to recognize some individuals who are part of our local historic DNA ...
John Lewis – Michigan’s Last Civil War Vet
- In the Northville area, John Lewis was a storied Civil War veteran. The Northville Record stated, “The Lewis family fled the South before the Civil War and stayed at the Ambler Underground Railroad Station (one of potentially 5 stations in Northville that included: The Starkweather Farm, Meads Mill, the Ambler Hotel and other locations).
- The Lewis Family took up residence in the Northville School District area closer to Salem.
- John Lewis felt compelled to enlist in Pontiac’s first African American Division during the Civil War and ultimately fought at Gettysburg.
Joe Louis – World’s Heavyweight Boxing Champion
- Joe Louis (Joseph Louis Barrow) put our town on the map in the 1930’s when he trained in Northville. At the time, the town was a nucleus of boxing in the Detroit area, with a full-time indoor ring on the third floor of a residence/speakeasy on Wing St.
- The “Brown Bomber” (as he was called) was also hosted by Northville Downs to prepare for a fight in 1939 when he was defending his crown for the eighth time (since first winning it in 1937). An indoor boxing ring was built at the Downs, complete with grandstands for observers to watch Joe Louis in action. In 1939 the match was against Bob Pastor at Tiger Stadium (Briggs Field), where Joe won with a knockout.
- It was acknowledged in The Record that Joe Louis stayed at a Northville estate on 8 Mile and also spent time in the same vicinity where Living & Learning is today.
- The Record mentioned that residents embraced Joe and his team. He was often seen running, walking, and socializing in town. He was considered a true Northvillian.
Routes on the Underground Railroad that came through Northville …
- One route of the Network came from the south (M23 area through Ohio to Ypsilanti and then down Seven Mile into Northville). Another came into Michigan from Indiana and Illinois, using the I-94 corridor from Battle Creek, Albion, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and finally into Northville. The journey then continued on to Detroit and eventually Canada.
STATIONS IN NORTHVILLE mentioned throughout time:
THE AMBLER HOTEL
- Great White Buffalo Brewing Company (today) – Main/Center.
- During the 1800’s, the Ambler Hotel was a bustling stop on the Underground Railroad, thanks to owners William and Ursula Ambler, who were abolitionists.
THE STARKWEATHER FARM
- The Starkweather homestead on 7 Mile west of Beck (Stonewater subdivision today) was also a significant stop on the network. The weather-beaten barn in the center of their property stood for over 150 years and was a stopover on the journey to freedom.
- According to a 1963 article in The Record, Ruth Starkweather spoke about stories passed down generationally regarding how her family assisted folks trying to get to Canada. The Starkweather’s strongly believed in equality for all. The farm’s original stone fence on the south side of 7 Mile, just west of Beck Road, still stands today.
MEADS MILL
- In the 6 Mile & Northville Road area, a group of homes were part of the Underground Railroad system. Back then, that area of Northville (Waterford) was vibrant with their own train station. The Mead Brothers’ mill was that area’s stimulus economically.
Wagon Wheel Hotel (Northville Road)
- The Wagon Wheel Hotel stagecoach stop was rumored to be a station on the network and had a tunnel from the river to the basement (still there today).
I am extremely proud of all Northvillians (both today & throughout history) who have treated all in society with equality, integrity, respect, and with the highest degree of ethics. The Ville is truly a special place, and these principles have been part of our DNA for nearly 200 years.
Keep that Northville Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville