Public Safety

NORTHVILLIANS,

Welcome to Fall 2020 … I hope and trust you had a safe & restful Labor Day Weekend.

This week I would like to touch base on Community Safety

Historic Public Safety Occurrences in Northville

1930 – Looking back at Safety in our town regarding all aspects I thought it would be interesting to share a family story about a break-in around 1930.  My grandfather & father would tell this colorful story publicly and privately …… and here is the rest of the story.

THE DILLINGER STORY – Around 1930 (Depression-era times) late one summer night, a group came through town and broke into the new “Ware Building,” which housed hardware including guns and other items of value.  These thieves smashed in the bottom of the back door (because the top was securely bolted) and took off with the firearms.  After the theft, the mortgage was taken over by the Bank and my grandfather ended up buying that building which is still there today on Main Street (BABY BABY).  Some years ago, I visited the business and looked to see if that back door was still cobbled together with a large piece of sheet metal to hide where Dillinger & his gang broke in decades before.  

I always thought it would be a great exhibit for the Mill Race to display the original door, with the headline “The Day Dillinger came to Town.”  So that’s the rest of the story!

As we started this note, I again urge you to stay diligent and be safe in all aspects of life. Keep your guard up, your mask on, & wear reflective clothing when out & about at night.

Stay safe & stay #NorthvilleStrong!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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