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NORTHVILLIANS,
Today, I’m writing about past holiday Northville traditions. One of my grandfathers (the electrician in town) told stories about Henry Ford, and how he and wife Clara, who had their honeymoon here in the 1880’s hosted Christmas square dances in the Ville. 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, who brought his friend Thomas Edison to the Ville on occasion, supported lighting up the town with colorful seasonal lights (similar to today’s Wayne County’s Lightfest).
Additionally, there were stories of all the bells in the churches and the fire department simultaneously “RINGING IN” Christmas Day and New Year’s (an old Northville Tradition).
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 Northvillians’ generosity.
Before highlighting our Holiday Traditions, let’s see what’s going on in “The Ville” today!
- Senior Holiday Celebration Luncheon – 12/20 (Friday) at the Community Center Link
- Mill Race Village – Stroll through the lighted trees at the village during the holidays.
- Town Square - Take some Holiday pics and start new traditions around the City Christmas Tree
- Little Women is now playing at Tipping Point Theatre in town. Link
- Northville Community Awards Dinner (Public Invited) - 2/6, 5pm at Genitti’s for dinner, followed by presentation at Marquis Theatre sponsored by the Chamber. Link
- Latest issue of Northville Today magazine which highlights Northville’s Tree-mendous History on Page 6. Link
- Full list of Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives - Link
INFO FOR CITIZENS …
Projects Around Town
- Ford Field – Grants; DNR - $500K (Restrooms), State - $910K (ADA Entryway), Federal -$750K (Infrastructure). Phase I: Infrastructure, waterfall - Randolph Drain, Phase II (spring) Vista overlook, fencing, staircase & ADA entrance, play structure, bathrooms.
- Riverwalk – Retention pond at Downs dug & Riverbed constructed (rocks & timbers being added this week). Log Cabin positioned, and other sections being prepped.
- Downs Initiative – Streets/Curbs poured in sections and foundation work has begun.
NEW TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Cemetery Restoration Task Force - Next Meeting 1/13 – Stop by Oakwood Cemetery & see progress. Contact Dave Marold for info/support @ [email protected]
- Bicentennial Task Force - Next meeting 2/13 – Sub committees meeting before on Signage, Markers, Movies, Media, Tours, Banners, Events, other. For info write to [email protected]
Holiday Traditions through time in Northville…
- NORTHVILLE OPERA HOUSE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES – During the 1800’s and early 1900’s, Holiday Shows at the historic Northville Opera House (Dunlap/Center) were a highlight of the Season for all in southeast Michigan. Folks came to town via stagecoach, train, and trolley to attend festive holiday events at the old Opera House.
- TREE LIGHTINGS – Tree lighting ceremonies have occurred since the arrival of electricity in our town. Additionally, in times past, 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 Choir. In recent years the Northville Chorale have led caroling. In years past, singing would continue in our traditional burgs (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 Penn Allen Theater (Today the Marquis). Back then, the Theatre was called P & A (Penniman & Allen) and School Superintendent Russell Amerman (namesake for Amerman School) played Santa. This past weekend it was my honor and privilege to play Santa for Northville Civic Concern and around town.
- SANTA – Through the years, Santa has come to town via sleigh, various red motor vehicles including a bright red pickup, fire trucks, trains, and trolleys. 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 their park this season.
In closing, I truly wish each and every one of you a joyous Holiday Season, spending time with family and friends in your life. As always, I encourage you to share your time & talents with those in need around you.
Keep that Northville Holiday Faith!
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