July 4th

NORTHVILLIANS,

Happy Fourth of July Weekend – we are now in full summer! As we get ready for the holiday festivities, I thought it would be interesting to look back at yesteryear’s Fourth of July celebrations in town. We’ll also look at Patriotism as we talk about our 4^th of July parades and memories past.

Let’s look at Fourth of July Activities through the Years…

Independence Day is a federal holiday in the US, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.

NORTHVILLE has always been patriotic, celebrating the Fourth in the following ways…

• 1876 – The City celebrated the nation’s Centennial in grand fashion with patriotic Red, White and Blue banners adorning most of the businesses and homes (the majority of the structures are still here today). The parade route was similar to recent years and concluded with a fabulous fireworks display that night.  And stay tuned – both myself and Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo are exploring the opportunity to once again have community fireworks (at least by our 2027 Bicentennial), perhaps at the new Parks and Recreation Legacy Park. 
   
• 1895 – Over 5,000 visitors enjoyed activities from dawn-to-dusk, starting off with a sunrise 21-gun salute, a parade, a three-ring circus and of course, FIREWORKS! People came from all over southeast Michigan via train, trolley and stagecoach to participate.
   
• 1927 – Northville’s Centennial: The grandiose 3-day event included concerts, activities, ball games, square dancing, fireworks, and the largest parade in Michigan (up to that time), with floats from Henry Ford himself, who loved this town.
   
• 1932 – Horse Races: The Fourth of July races at the Downs included thoroughbreds that year. In addition to the racing, the town carried on with the traditional Fireworks, Street Dancing and Music on Center (from Main to Dunlap) … very reminiscent of today’s downtown social district with its music & festivities.
   
• 1948 – Fourth of July Water Hose Fire Department Battle: Northville vs. Plymouth, exciting & humorous (hundreds watched on either side… Northville won)!
   
• 1953 – Pony Rides and Speed Boat Rides! Ford Motor Company provided pony rides for more than 1,000 children and free “Speed Boat” rides on the Mill Pond… can you imagine speed boat rides on the Mill Race pond today?
   
• Street Dancing & Concerts – Traditionally on Center St., all this kicking off on July 4^th each year and finishing on Labor Day. 
   
• Local Amusement Park & Big Band Venue – Back in the day, people would catch the trolley after the parade in Northville to head to nearby Walled Lake to enjoy the amusement park & participate in speed boat rides on the big lake.

Later on, they could walk across the street from the park to the Casino and dance to big band sounds of the ‘40s, including Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Louie Armstrong and even Guy Lombardo, among others who performed there.
In the 1960’s, artists such as Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, and Fabian performed on the Lake over the Fourth of July. Many of the performers of the last century were spotted around Northville grabbing some ice cream or attending the parade. Bob Seger even performed here in the late sixties.

Summing it up, Northville has always been a Fourth of July destination. Enjoy the town’s beauty, stroll through Ford Field and the Mill Race Village and soak in that Fourth of July history.

AND BE SURE to make your way to the parade on July 4^th at 10:00 AM and watch the jets fly over to salute the town’s patriotism! Participants in the parade this year will include Miss Michigan, Miss Teen Michigan, Mrs. Michigan, Jr. Teen Michigan, Hill Harper (Actor – The Good Doctor, Homeland,CSI: NY, author, and activist) along with civic dignitaries, floats, bands and more.

PLEASE NOTE:  The Chamber is looking for more convertibles and Ford F-150 Lightning trucks – if you have one and would like to drive in the parade, text or call me directly at 248.505.6849. Come celebrate in the Ville, and perhaps we will have Community fireworks again soon!

Happy Birthday, America!

***Keep that Northville 4th of July 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