Saint Patrick's Day in the 'Ville
Posted on 03/13/2024
Mayor Brian Turnbull

Happy Pre-St. Patrick’s Day! For this one special day, let’s all agree whether SPARTY, WOLVERINE or other, let’s “GO GREEN.”

St. Patrick’s Day Info:

-Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held March 17, and has many titles: The Feast of Saint Patrick, Patrick’s Day, St. Paddy’s Day, and St. Patty’s Day in North America. It was made an official Christian festival day in the early 17th century.

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St. Paddy’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, North Ireland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Montserrat.

-St. Patrick was known as the “Apostle of Ireland.” he was an active missionary during the fifth century. He is recognized as the patron Saint of Ireland … the day signifies the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day Activities in the Ville…

-Northville historically has had a notable percentage of Irish citizens who share my family’s Scottish/Irish heritage. (Brian PATRICK Turnbull)

-Years past, there were even cabbage fields off Rayson near Ford Field & CVS. Thus, the name “Cabbagetown” for this section of the Ville.

LET’S LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON TODAY …

  • Pi Day at Mill Race Village – Thursday 3/14, 3-6 p.m. Stop in to enjoy a slice or buy a whole pie! Link
  • Bicentennial Task Force and Cemeterian TEAM Meetings – Bicentennial Task Force 3/27 & Cemeterian Task Force 3/28 (City Hall, 7:00 p.m., see you there!)
  • Northville Art House Young Artist Art Fair – 3/16, 11 – 3PM. See more than 30 young artists and their work at the Presbyterian Church (200 E. Main). Link
  • Maple Syrup Tours at Maybury – Weekends only till 3/30, NOON – 5p.m. Link
  • Early St. Patty's Celebration! – March 16, Noon-8p.m.: Exclusive food & drink specials -- only available if you buy a ticket at GatherNorthville.com.

Participating locations include: The Exchange, Lucy & the Wolf, Brown Dog Barlor, The Lava Grille, Northville Sports Den, Great White Buffalo, North Center Brewing (Last day in operation), The Little Salumi, and Tuscan Cafe. Celebrate with the best crowd in Southeast Michigan! Save more when you buy your tickets early at GatherNorthville.com

Questions from Citizens

Regarding the upcoming task forces (Bicentennial & Cemeterian): How do I become a member?

Attend the Mtgs on 3/27 (Bicentennial) or 3/28 (Cemeterian) at City Hall at 7p.m. Additional info will be forthcoming after these meetings to also join in.

INFO

Griswold Bridge/8 Mile Paving – East of the Griswold bridge will be paved all the way to Haggerty in 2024, along with completion of the bridge.

Pothole Hotline (Wayne County) – call 1-888-762-3273

Projects Around Town

Ford Field – Phase I has begun (entryway, overview vista, fencing, infrastructure, parking).

Riverwalk – Daylighting of river and the building of River Park planned for Spring @ Downs.

Northville Downs – Pest mitigation underway along with asbestos removal & demolition will begin shortly and be complete by May. The 14-acre River Park completed by the end of 2024.

Farmers’ Market – 2024 temporary location is Highland Lakes Mall. Permanent plans for ’25.

Social District – Bollards installed, May-Oct. for street closures, reviewing long-term plans.

Infrastructure – Crosswalk painting, traffic calming, roads (reviewed/ranked/repaved).

Tree Champions – Heritage Elm (20-ft stump behind City Hall) being carved w/history scenes.

See historic Northville Record articles on St. Paddy’s Day in Town!

1890’s – Some of the largest social gatherings in our town, including parties & dances, were on St. Patrick’s Day. Hundreds from southeastern Michigan gathered at the Princess Rink (behind the Marquis Theatre).

1912-1914 – The format for St. Paddy’s Day activities switched from more formal gatherings to a “Barn Dance” Shamrock affair. The cost for dinner, dancing & festivities was $1.50 a couple (about $50 in today’s money). Country garb was in vogue then … over 500 attended!

1920’s – The Record in 1920 ran an article about a St. Paddy’s Day luncheon with games, activities and elaborate Green & White decorations sponsored by Woman’s Club. Also, in ’27, the High School Gym (Old Village School) was the location for an OLV-sponsored St. Patrick’s Day “Spirit of America” community banquet.

1948 – The Garden Club sponsored a St. Pat’s luncheon in Orchard Heights. Table centerpieces featured green & pink snapdragons & yellow daffodils.

2001 – The Record ran an ad highlighting a Shamrock plant sale at IV Season’s flower shop (Baby Baby today). Green & White St. Paddy’s socks were in stock at the Marquis Gift Shoppe. The newspaper also published this toast: “May your blessings outnumber the Shamrocks that grow & may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

2020s – In Northville’s downtown Social District, green beer & festivities abounded in ’21. The local Shawn Riley Band played some Irish jigs in the area.

For 2024 – I invite you to be part of our traditions and sample some Irish Stew & Corned Beef, watch Irish Dancers perform, drink some GREEN beer, and listen to music that abounds the streets of the Ville.

So Northvillians, get out and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, stroll through town, and experience the festivities. “Spring has certainly almost Sprung!” 

Keep that Northville St. Patty’s Faith!


Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849
(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)
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