St. Patrick’s Day

NORTHVILLIANS,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! For this one special day, let’s all agree whether SPARTY, WOLVERINE or other, let’s “GO GREEN.”

St. Patrick’s Day Info:

• Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held March 17^th, and has many titles: The Feast of Saint Patrick, Patrick’s Day, St. Paddy’s Day, and St. Patty’s Day in North America. It was made an official Christian festival day in the early 17^th century.
• St. Paddy’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, North Ireland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Montserrat.
• St. Patrick was known as the “Apostle of Ireland.” The dates of his life cannot be fixed with certainty, but most agree he was an active missionary during the fifth century. He is recognized as the foremost patron Saint of Ireland… the day signifies the commemoration of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day Activities in the Ville…

• Northville historically has had a notable percentage of Irish citizens who share my family’s Scottish/Irish heritage. (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.

See historic Northville Record articles on St. Paddy’s Days around Northville…

1890’s

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

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 about $1.50 a couple (about $50 in today’s money). 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 Woman’s Club.
• Also 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. Pat’s luncheon in Orchard Heights. Table centerpieces featured green & pink snapdragons along with yellow daffodils.

2001

• The Record ran an ad highlighting 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.”

2020s

• 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 2023, I invite you to be part of our traditions and sample some Irish Stew & Corned Beef, watch Irish Dancers perform, drink some GREEN beer and listen to music that abounds the streets of the Ville.

So Northvillians, get out and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, stroll through town and experience the festivities. “Spring has certainly 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.)

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