NORTHVILLIANS,
In this week’s letter, I continue to look back at some of the historic Northville businesses that have been in operation for more than half a century. They are clearly part of the fabric of the community.
Northville Historic businesses in continuous operation for more than 50 years
| 1850’s – Northville streets in the 1800’s were paved with leather scraps from the multiple shoe stores on Main Street. Cobbler’s Corner was called Northville Shoe Repair and was owned by Joe Revitzer in the 1950’s. Today, Tony Piccoli owns the shoe business (son of Andy, who purchased the business in 1971). 1887 – Wagon Wheel Lounge, located on Main Street, was purchased by Robert Ronk in 1972. The building dates back to 1887, as A. H. Kohler’s grocery store. Its location near the depot across the street naturally led to the establishment of the Northville Hotel & Restaurant, where visitors could rest & dine. “The Wheel” is operated by the Ronk family and has a dedicated customer following. 1900 – Northville Downs was considered a gentlemen’s sports park with a private 9-hole golf course. The grounds were used for the county fair, and its attendance rivaled the State Fair. In 1944 the Downs (as we know it today) was constructed by the Carlo family, with whom the city has had a great community relationship going on 80 years now. The Downs was the first nighttime harness racetrack in Michigan. Horse racing in Northville started in the later 1800’s, with races run straight down Dunlap, after which they transitioned to what is now the Northville Downs. 1910 – Lapham’s Men’s Store … if you noticed on the Marquis in front of the theater, it was celebrating the family patriarch’s (Chuck Lapham’s) 87th Birthday this week. Congrats, Chuck! 1914 – Northville Laboratories was founded by E. C. Langfield, then later run by son Conrad, a past President/Mayor of Northville. Their claim to fame was bringing the first vanilla beans to this country to create an extract. On many days, that vanilla smell was in the air in Orchards Heights. Northville Labs, located in front of Rural Hill Cemetery at One Vanilla Lane, is still in operation today under the name of Jogue, Inc. 1937 – Casterlines. Since 1937 in downtown Northville, Casterline Funeral Home has been family-owned for 4 generations. The business is actively involved in the community through the Chamber, Rotary and the VFW auxiliary, among the many other civic organizations meeting the needs of the Northville community. 1937 – Rebecca’s occupies the Center Street space that was home to Cloverdale Farms Dairy. Just think of how many scoops of ice cream have been served and consumed over the years! 1949 – Long Companies. A slight modification to Long’s Plumbing activities spoken about last week… Allison Long (3rd generation) is the President & majority owner of Long’s today, and the company is certified as a WBE (Women Business Enterprise). 1967 – Choo Choo Car Wash on Northville Road (located near the railroad tracks) was established in 1967 by Don Thomson and is now being managed by Don’s sons, continuing their service tradition for nearly 70 years. We have to know our past to project and guide our future! Keep that Northville faith & stay #NORTHVILLESTRONG! |
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849
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