St. Patrick’s Day

NORTHVILLIANS,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today, we will take a look at this festive gathering in Northville through time. For this one special day, let’s all agree that whether SPARTY, WOLVERINE or other, we all will “GO GREEN.”

Let’s look at St. Patrick’s Day Activities in the Ville over the years…

• As we talk about St. Patrick’s Day, I wanted to note that Northville historically has had a great percentage of Irish citizens who share my family’s Scottish/Irish heritage. It’s all in the name… just like Brian PATRICK Turnbull. 
• In years past, there were even cabbage fields in town off Rayson St. near where Ford Field & CVS are today … thus, the name “Cabbage Town” for this section of the Ville.

St. Patrick’s Day Info:

• Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian festival day in the early 17^th century. The day is observed by the Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and Lutheran Church.
• St. Paddy’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, North Ireland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Montserrat.
• The day is known as the Festival of Patrick. It is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17^th, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick. He lived from 385 – 461 and was the foremost patron Saint of Ireland.
• The Day has been called the Feast of Saint Patrick, Patrick’s Day, St. Paddy’s Day & St. Patty’s Day in North America.
• St. Patrick’s Day signifies the commemoration of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

According to The Northville Record, these activities have been observed in town:

1890’s

• Some of the largest social gatherings, parties & dances were on St. Patrick’s Day. Up to 400 people from Southeastern Michigan gathered at the Princess Rink (across from CVS on Dunlap St., behind the Marquis Theater).

1912-1914

• The format for St. Paddy’s Day activities switched from more formal gatherings to a “Barn Dance” Shamrock affair. The cost for dinner, dancing & festivities was just 98 cents (and another 49 cents for your date). Country garb was in vogue then… over 500 attended.

1920’s

• The Record in 1920 ran an article about a St. Paddy’s Day luncheon with games, activities and elaborate Green & White decorations sponsored by the Woman’s Club.
• In ‘27 the High School Gym was the location for an OLV-sponsored St. Patrick’s Day “Spirit of America” banquet that brought together the community.  

1948

• The Garden Club sponsored a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon in Orchard Heights. The table centerpieces featured green & pink snap dragons along with yellow daffodils.

2001

• An ad in The Record highlighted a Shamrock plant sale at IV Season’s flower shop (Baby Baby today) and that Green & White St. Paddy’s socks were in stock at the Marquis Gift Shoppe. The newspaper also published this traditional Irish toast: “May your blessings outnumber the Shamrocks that grow & may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

2021-22

• In Northville’s downtown social district, green beer and festivities abounded in ’21. The local Shawn Riley Band played some Irish jigs in the area.
• For 2022, we will continue our traditions with Irish deserts and Corn Beef at Tuscan Café, along with special activities at most of the Northville eateries. Also, live music will be featured at North Center Brewery and at the new Lava Grill (formerly Bricks) along with other Irish bands at The Sports Den and the Eagles Club. Come into places like Genitti’s to grab a drink and enjoy the social district where there will be some Irish dancers kicking up a storm in the streets.

Northvillians, get out and enjoy a little Green Beer with friends and stroll through town. “Spring is almost Sprung!” 

Keep that Northville St. Patty’s 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.)

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