NORTHVILLIANS,
Great progress has been made this week in the prep for vaccinations across our country. We can almost see the light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. But we must be diligent in these coming months as the nation prioritizes inoculations, starting with our first responders, Health Care Workers and Seniors. I continue to thank all Northvillians who have shared their time and talents helping our golden-aged citizens, our youth, Civic Concern, and our local businesses weather the Covid storm.
In this week’s letter, I will highlight some recent updates on COVID-19 and continue to talk about historic “Gateways” in our town… this week’s topic will be Buchner Hill (8 Mile & Center St. area).
GATEWAYS TO THE COMMUNITY
This week’s Gateway lesson is centered on Buchner Hill where our Allen Terrace Senior Center is located (near the Hillside Middle School area). This has historically been Northville’s Northern entrance.
This Wayne County high point was originally bought around 1870 by John Buchner, who was described as a 6’4 “Giant of the Hills” by the Northville Record in 1910. He built a beautiful mansion (the largest in the community at the time) made of brick with a Mansard-style slate roof and an observation tower rising above it. It had a magnificent view for miles and miles – Detroit could easily be seen on the east, with Ann Arbor through the trees to the west. Baseline Road (yesterday’s 8 Mile) which was used for State surveys ran through the property.
Most of the old timers still refer to the hill today as “Buchner’s Hill” and many of these “Greatest Generation” folks (including my father) told stories about fabulous sled rides. They rode down the hill, past the Lutheran Church, across Randolph and Dunlap Streets. AND some youth even made it all the way to Northville Downs (then the Wayne County Fairgrounds) almost a mile away!
From the 1800’s to 1920, the Buchner Estate was a private home, but in 1931 it was transformed and converted by Dr. Wickham to the Eastlawn Tuberculosis Sanatorium. You may remember that even before that, the Maybury property was a TB treatment center, having opened in 1921 (now the State Park). In 1937,Time Magazine described Eastlawn as one of the finest centers in the country, and they highlighted that the residents there put together entertaining productions.
In 1955 it was repurposed as Eastlawn Nursing Home until the mid-70’s when the City bought the land for Allen Terrace Senior Center & apartments. In the early 70’s, I used to walk by Eastlawn on my way up to Northville Swim Club, waving to the residents and imagining the history that had taken place there…now you know the rest of the story.
Not many communities in Michigan can boast about having a mile-long sledding run in their history. Northville with its topography was known as the “Switzerland of Wayne County” or “Hamlet in the Hills” in its earlier times, with Buchner Hill playing a key part in our folklore.
As we start our winter season and get ready for sledding again (think Amerman Hill or Cass Benton Park off of Hines Drive), I ask all of you to please stay vigilant and take precautions over the ensuing weeks. During these Pandemic times, let’s generously share with those in need around us on a daily basis. The City of Northville is a truly “connected community”, and I know it will be even more so as we celebrate the Holiday season.
Keep that Northville Faith and Mask up, Practice social distancing and Wash up often & be Safe!
Stay #NorthvilleStrong!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849
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