Community Update from Mayor Turnbull

 NORTHVILLIANS,

Valentine’s Day 2026 –  We are on the cusp of that time of year when we slow down and think of those close to us. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to recognize those special people in our lives (family members, significant others, friends, and even neighbors). Take a moment to reach out and spread some Valentine cheer, letting those you love know how much you appreciate them.

Background on Valentine’s Day:

• Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14^th. Its origins can be traced to Rome (496 A.D.), having originated as a festival day honoring the Christian martyr Saint Valentine.
• Through traditions it has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

This week, I reviewed previous Northville Records going back to the 1800’s to show what was written about Valentine’s Day locally.

Before looking at Valentine Day history, let’s see what’s happening in town today:

• “Brokeology” at Tipping Point Theater performance are through 3/8. Celebrate the strength of family ties and the enduring power of hope through this show. Link
• Valentine Week Concert – 2/12, 7PM “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” with Harpist Chanah Ambuter, taking place at the Mill Race Village's New School Church. (Sponsored by the Northville District Library & Northville Historical Society) Link
• Conservation of the Johnson Creek Zoom – 2/17, 7PM – Gather via Zoom with Friends of the Rouge, DNR, Trout unlimited folks and input from angler Mayor Turnbull and other fishing & environmental enthusiasts. Link
• Northville/Novi AAUW Michigan Fashion Designer Showcase Luncheon – 4/25 at Schoolcraft’s VistaTech. Tickets are now available for this popular event. Link
• Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Marquis Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link

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)

 PROJECTS AROUND TOWN

• FORD FIELD – Work is progressing on: New fencing, an ADA entry way & overhang Vista, a new playscape, bathroom structure and waterfall placemaking area.
• RIVERWALK – The riverwalk pathway system within the Downs is constructed and is the conduit to other sections. Most importantly, we are linking City & Township green spaces to County & State Parks. Check out the pathways from the “Market Area”.
• DOWNS INITIATIVE – New Northvillians are moving in, apartments are being constructed, additional homes and the three-tier City Park are progressing.
• NORTHVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET AREA – Township/City events continue.
• GRANTS that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives (Over $16.5M) – Link

LET’S LOOK BACK ON PAST VALENTINE DAYS!

• 1897 – A special section was written in the Northville Record featuring Valentine’s Day gifts, including a special page with illustrations & a variety of romantic stories & poetry.
• 1923 – Again, a section in the paper was dedicated to local Valentine’s Day specials. Northville Drugs (now Lucy & the Wolf) offered chocolates, cards, & special RED fountain drinks.
• 1939 – My grandfather’s Northville Electric Shop (Baby Baby) advertised “Practical Valentinegifts”, including radios, lamps & electric clocks to “Make life easier for Mom.” Additionally, Freydl’s (Adorn Fine Flowers) published this racy poem:

  If you’ve a special Valentine
  And you’d like to make her thine
  Glance about at our gay array
  Of perfume, jewels, and lingerie

• 1940 – The D & C Store advertised 29-cent heart-shaped Candy Boxes.
• 1949 – Freydl’s Men’s store (Genitti’s Theater) had a V-Day tie sale… all for 64 cents.
• 1957 – Paul’s Sweet Shop (Mill Race Village General Store) advertised “Paul’s homemade candies make Happy Hearts.”  Folinow as a Mayoral candidate & Citizen of the Year.
• 1958 – Cupid’s Guide to Valentine gifts from local stores debuted in The Record.
• 1959 – WJR’s vocalist Jan Wynn was featured with the Jimmie Clark orchestra at its Valentine dance at the Community Center (Sponsored by the Northville Rotary Club).
• 1964 – A Valentine’s dinner-dance was sponsored by the Northville Newcomers Club and was hosted at the VFW Hall. Northville was known for Valentine’s Day dances, with music performed by big bands in the late 1800’s to orchestras in the mid 1900’s to Rockers in the 1960’s & 70’s.
• 1968 – Bob Seger played at “The Cavern” in town around Valentine’s Day in ’67 & ’68. He actually performed four times there in 1967 and again in 1968, just before he headlined at Cobo Hall. The Anti-War song that hit the top of the charts in Europe entitled “2+2” was reportedly debuted at The Northville Cavern before it was released.
• 1981 – Genitti’s had jars of jellybeans along with various candy sticks (Red & White) on their window ledge for Valentine’s Day. They also had extra sweets at the counter.
• 2013 –The Record featured photos of Seniors on the front page enjoying their annual Valentine’s Day gathering at the Community Center.

Let’s move forward helping others along the way while reaching out during Valentine’s Day to keep all connected in the community!

KEEP THAT NORTHVILLE’S VALENTINE’S DAY FAITH!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville