NORTHVILLIANS,
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, it is truly up to all of us to slow down and reflect on what we are thankful for in our lives. Like many, I am sincerely grateful for family & friends, and especially for those who have reached out to assist our seniors, our youth, Civic Concern, and our local businesses. I am also thankful there will soon be open-air winter chalets with heat & lights for your enjoyment in our downtown streets (called “Heat in the Street”).
On another recent development, I am appreciative of the overwhelming response for participation in our new task forces, which include the Rouge Restoration/RiverWalk project, Farmers’ Market and Ford Field. My hope is that these teams can also provide a valuable assist to our professionals that have been dedicating their time working on the City’s 27 boards and commissions, such as Planning Commission, DDA, BZA HDC, DDA and many more. Longer-term, I’ve always believed that what we focus on today will create lasting benefits for our children and our grandchildren.
THANKSGIVINGS OF YESTERYEAR
Starting in the late 1800s, large community Thanksgiving gatherings took place at the town’s meeting place (the Princess Rink – across from CVS), including a night-before gala event with food & live music for Northvillians and visitors from surrounding communities.
Historically, ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve services were held with many of the local churches gathering together, helping to grow a holiday spirit of cooperation and support for those in the community.
Thanksgiving baskets & meals for those in need have always been part of the holiday. Many organizations such as the Masons, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Rotary, Woman’s Club, and others have continued this tradition today.
Even in the early 1900s, there was lots going on – the traditional Thanksgiving football game at the Athletic Park (where Northville Downs is today) and events at the Library, sponsored by the Woman’s Club. At one library program in 1916, Asa Randolph, age 87, spoke of pioneer remembrances followed by a reading of a poem by Robert Yerkes.
According to the Northville Record, 1932 was an extraordinarily hard year economically for the Village. Council rose to the emergency and combined efforts with the American Legion, St. Vincent de Paul Society & many other local organizations to form a local Central Welfare Committee.
In 1972, the Record published a proclamation from Mayor Allen that is still relevant today. It read, in part: “I, the Mayor of Northville, do hereby proclaim November 23rd as a time for sincere thanksgiving by the people of our community and do encourage them to [reflect on the] opportunities and privileges we have received.”
I would add to this my own best wishes for all in the community to have a safe, restful & enjoyable holiday … let’s all share our time & talents with those in need on a daily basis.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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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