NORTHVILLIANS,
As we close out March, we are ending Women’s History Month, which included International Women’s Day declared on March 8th, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women. Therefore, this week it is my privilege to write about a few of the women in Northville that made a significant difference in the Ville. I had a chance earlier this month to speak at an AAUW meeting on the numerous strong women in town, and I read a proclamation for “Equality for Women” at City Council.
Let’s transition to the stories of notable women that have made a difference in the Northville area.
Sarah Ann Cochrane (1832-1917) – Sarah’s father was the pastor at the New School Church. She taught at the Northville Academy on Randolph Street. Sarah was instrumental in organizing the Detroit Public Library’s collection. The Northville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is named in her honor.
Dr. Mary Lapham (1860-1936) – Mary operated & owned Lapham State Bank in Northville. Notably, she started the Library Association and donated the building which is in the Mill Race Village known as the church. She was the founder of Woman’s Club, served in WWI, became a Doctor at 40 and was an innovator in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Ida B. Cooke (1889-1974) – Ms. Cooke was a beloved Northville teacher & coach. On a personal note, she was chaperone to my father’s class trip to Washington D.C. in 1937. Ida was also friends with my mother and grandmother who were part of the Business & Professional Women’s Club in town. She inspired my mother to go on to Business School in the 1930’s and also to become a patriot as a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII at Willow Run. Cooke School on Taft Road is named after Ida B.
Toni Genitti – Toni is the matriarch of the Genitti Family Restaurant business which has been in Northville for over 50 years. The Genitti’s have been instrumental in their support of the community, including festivals, food donations, & fundraisers. In fact, this past week the Genitti’s donated meals for volunteers at our Vaccinate Northville center. Genitti’s Aunt Mary (Ware) who had a restaurant previously in town and is now 99, is still supporting others in the Ville.
Betty Allen (Wife of Mayor Allen & daughter of Dr. Snow) – Betty helped build the Chamber of Commerce building on Northville Road by the historic “Well”. She has been integrally involved in all aspects of the community. And as many of you know, Allen Terrace (our Senior facility) is named after the Allen family.
Mamie Folino – The Folino’s have been a part of our history with Mamie cooking and baking for Paul’s Sweet Shop (General Store building at Mill Race). Their insurance business building is now the Weavers’ Cottage at Mill Race Village and was the old jail. Theresa (Paul & Mamie’s daughter) followed in her father’s footsteps in local politics when she ran for State Representative. She is still deeply involved in town activities.
The Casterline Women – Roxanne (Atchison) Casterline has turned over the leadership of their 4-generation business to daughters Lindsey & Courtney. The Casterlines have given back to the community in many ways – Lindsey is the present recipient of Northville’s “Citizen of the Year Award”.
Allison Long – Allison is the President of Long Mechanical, the parent company of Long Plumbing Heating and Cooling. She continues to help guide this 72-year-old, third-generation Northville business to new heights.
On a side note, Katherine Stinson (National Aviation Hall of Fame) was the inspiration for her brother Eddie, whose aircraft business was in Northville. Katherine, along with her sister and mother, had a renowned flying school. Eddie Stinson’s interest in airplanes was stirred by the accomplishments of his older sister, the first female stunt pilot and flew for the US Mail Service.
Again, I thank you all for assisting the community through this pandemic journey. It’s up to each of us to remain vigilant and continue to social distance and wear masks in public. We see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we must do everything we can to get there … together!
Keep that Northville Faith … & Stay Safe!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849
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