Labor Day

NORTHVILLIANS,

As you have read each week, we’ve been marching through the history of Northville, touching on all kinds of memories and topics.  Last week, it was the early-day car culture in The Ville. Today, we’ll look back in time to see how Northvillians have paid tribute to the achievements of American workers on this upcoming Labor Day weekend…AND, how Northvillians have spent this holiday weekend in the past.

Let’s look at Northville’s Labor Day activities of Yesteryear:

• As you know, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions & achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September.
   
• It was created by the labor movement in the late 19^th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.
   
• Labor Day weekend also symbolized the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with gatherings, parades, and athletic events.

Some local Labor Day happenings in the Ville over this historic weekend include:

• 1895 – Labor Day train excursions from Northville to Plymouth to Detroit, with many going to Belle Isle for the day…Just 50 cents round trip! (Of course, that’s $16.25 in today’s money.)
   
• 1910 – Horse races, ball games & music by our City Band occurred all day long. “One of the biggest crowds ever seen in Northville was at the Athletic Park (Northville Downs) on Labor Day,” wrote the Northville Record.  At the end of the night, all danced at the Princess Rink, behind the Marquis Theatre.
   
• 1949 – The VFW sponsored the Labor Day games & events for youth and families, including a donkey-riding softball game at Ford Field.
   
• 1957 – Motorcycle racing took place for the 1^st time at Northville Downs on Labor Day…the “Northville 100” car race was also hosted by the Downs on the 4^th of July. 
   
• 1985 – A Labor Day baseball tournament took place at Ford Field. Historically, games have been part of the Labor Day festivities. And yes, I even played in a few.
   
• 1995 – Over Labor Day weekend, a big-top European-style circus dazzled & delighted the community. The Circus was set up in the parking lot of the Highland Lakes Shopping Center (complete with elephants).

Relax and enjoy your Labor Day weekend as we ready for the fall season in our community. Have a barbecue, connect with family & friends, and remember its meaning…celebrating the hard work, determination and sacrifices of our American Workers.

Keep that Northville Labor Day Faith!  

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

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

Click the following link to subscribe to this weekly newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/5a31f2ec1a6e/turnbullformayor