NORTHVILLIANS,

Presenting our Mother’s Day edition, as we come off a GREAT weekend in the Ville –

• We had a Ribbon Cutting to formally launch the new Farmers’ Market location.
• There were Derby events, including a Women’s night in town with a hat contest.
• A Senior gathering at the Community Center.
• Additionally, Northville was the backdrop to many prom goers who took pictures at the Mill Race Village and had dinner in town.
• The Northville Chorale performed Saturday at the Marquis.
• The Skate Park celebrated its first anniversary, where the Shawn Riley Band provided the entertainment.

Over the past few weeks, we have celebrated the advent of Spring with Arbor Day and Earth Day activities, the Farmers’ Market OPENING DAY, along with reviewing local initiatives at our State of the Community address. These are truly transformational times.

Mother’s Day History
Mother’s Day is a very special holiday to honor our mothers and is celebrated in most countries throughout the world. In its modern form, the holiday originated in the Unites States where it is observed on the second Sunday in May … Some fun facts:

• The first celebration for this holiday occurred in West Virginia, at St. Andrews Methodist Church on May 10^th, 1908, and was organized by Anna Jarvis for her mother.
• In 1910 the West Virginia governor proclaimed Mother’s Day a State Holiday.
• Within just a few years, virtually every state was observing Mother’s Day, and in 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday.
• In 1962, the magnificent St. Andrews Church built in 1873 and host to the first Mother’s Day celebration was renamed and declared to be the International Mother’s Day Shrine.

Mother’s Day has always been special in Northville, with restaurant brunches, community breakfasts, musical events at churches and other special activities hosted by our businesses, charitable organizations, and the City.

Before looking at Mother's Day activities, let's see what's going on today!

• State of the Community Presentation – Click Link for recording
• Cars and Coffee – Saturday, 5/10, 8-10AM -Join us for the first gathering of the season, behind Old Village School next to the library (212 W. Cady St.) Bring a car, yourself, a friend … sponsored by Alexander’s Custom Clothiers & the Mayor.
• “Lungs” at Tipping Point Theatre (Final show of season!) – 5/7 – 6/1. Link
• NHS Choir PITCH Perfection Concert – 5/14, 7PM. Northville High School. Link
• 1849 Shakespeare Riots in NYC with Kevin Peshick – 5/28, 7pm@ Mill Race Village.What caused a riotbetween favorite Shakespearean actors and what impact still lingers? Cosponsored by the Historical Society and Northville District Library.Link

INFO FOR CITIZENS
PROJECTS AROUND TOWN

• Ford Field – Phase I: Stop by and see progress on the waterfall area at Serenity Point in the northern part of the park. Phase II (Summer) Vista overlook, fencing, staircase upgrades, ADA entrance, (Fall) – play structure. 2026 - Bathroom construction.
• Riverwalk – Riverbed work progressing at the Downs, 250 trees delivered for planting, opening the underground waterway has started up (take a peek on both sides).
• Downs Initiative – Construction is commencing, Townhome model to open soon….
• Farmers’ Market (550 7 Mile) Thursdays 8-3 ... Get ready for Mother’s Day.
• Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Link

NEW TASK FORCE MEETINGS

• Bicentennial Task Force – 6/5 @ City Hall 7:30pm. All are welcome to join work teams as we ready for our 2027 event – info write[email protected]
• Cemeterian Restoration Task Force –Next Meeting5/12 @ City Hall 7pm; Stop by Oakwood Cemetery to see progress - for info contact Dave @[email protected]

Our Community's Mother's DayHighlightsthrough Time:

1919 –The “Northville Greenhouse” ad in The Record for Mother’s Day included this poem:

To Mothers at Home
Flowers Bright,
To Mothers’ Memory
Flowers White

1932 –Rotarians hosted mothers at a community luncheon. The Record noted: “Tears filled many eyes as Rotarians paid tribute to their mothers.” Also, there was a story about how mothers were honored at the local churches by special musical tributes.
1935 –A special Mother’s Day edition of The Northville Record was published featuring unique Mother’s Day gifts (including arrays of chocolates, flowers, along with additional gifts and services). Businesses mentioned were Northville Drugs, Spagnuolo’s confectionery, Turnbull’s Electric and others that were open late Mother’s Day Eve for shopping convenience.
1943 –During WWII Michigan Bell advertised in The Northville Record: “Mothers are understanding and patriotic … Mothers know that under the steadily increasing burden of war, long distance telephone equipment is seriously overloaded, so send your love in a letter.”
1964 –The Merchants again this year banded together to make an enjoyable shopping experience for Mother’s Day weekend with bands playing and merchandise giveaways.
1979 –The Recorddedicated an entire section for folks to Wish Mom a Happy Mother’s Day… all for $3 for 10 words. The pages filled up!
1996 –An article spoke about how Northville’s mothers played a vital role in the development of our Community over time, and highlighted many mothers who were role models to our youth and supported events like musical concerts, including Bob Seger appearances in the 60’s.
2000 –ANorthville Record article entitled Panicked over Mother’s Day? Don’t Worry… spoke about how Northville merchants stocked up yet again with an abundance of merchandise & flowers, and they were open late the night before for the convenience of all Northvillians. Many stores still in business today were mentioned in the “night-before festivities” article, including Orin Jewelers and Genitti’s.
2009– A Mother/Son magic show at Genitti’s celebrated Mother’s Day a little early that year with a full stage show by Jasen Magic.

With the State flower (the trillium) starting to come into full bloom this week, it reminds me that it’s that time of year to slow down and think about those that are special to you on this Mother’s Day weekend.Take in and enjoy all that Spring has to offer in the Ville – stroll by the river, walk down Dunlap or around the Mill Race Village and enjoy the budding trees and soothing river, or just relax on a bench around Town Square.

Let’s be sure to thank our mothers for all they are and all that they do … maybe stop by our new Farmers’ Market Thursday to pick up a thoughtful gift.

Keep that Northville Mother's Day Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville