Labor Day

NORTHVILLIANS,

In today’s update, I will wind down our summer series on Rivers, Swimming Holes, Parks, and Schools to transition to the coming of FALL, with stories about local Labor Day activities. We’ll look back to see how Northvillians have paid tribute to the achievements of American workers on Labor Day.  AND, how Northvillians have spent this holiday weekend in the past (Northville was ranked #2 in economics behind Detroit till the 1930’s, making some of THOSE Labor Days quite spectacular).

LABOR DAY

• Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September.
• In 1886, legislation was officially passed making it a State Holiday in Oregon, and from there, the nation joined in. In 1887, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and the state of New York passed laws creating an official Labor Day holiday. In 1894 the holiday became nationally celebrated.
• Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer, and many take advantage of this long weekend by having gatherings, including family BBQ’s, attending parades, and other celebrations.
• Traditionally, athletic events have also taken place over this period, ESPECIALLY college football games (Go Green & Go Blue).
• Northville High School opened their season against Clarkston at U of M’s “Big House” last Friday with a win of 24 – 10 … Go Mustangs!

Now let’s look back at some of the ways Northvillians have spent Labor Day in town…

1895 – Labor Day train excursions left our Northville Train Station by the historic well on Northville Road. Many folks traveled to Belle Isle for the day via Plymouth & Detroit (The Northville Record). The whole trip cost just 50 cents.
1910 – Horse races, ball games, and music by the Northville City Band in the crow’s nest at the intersection of Main St & Center entertained spectators. This year had one of the largest crowds ever. (Northville Record)
1949 – VFW sponsored Labor Day games, events, and music for the community.
1955 – The Northville Eagles supported festivities and organized the parade, which was led by state and local officials, with speeches at Ford Field. A picnic was held at Cass Benton Park for the entire community.
1957 – Motorcycle racing took place over the Labor Day Weekend at Northville Downs (Stock car race was held earlier that year on July 4^th).
1985 – Labor Day baseball tournaments continued the local Northville sports tradition for this weekend. I even played in a few of them … when I was younger.
1995 – Over this Labor Day weekend, a big-top circus dazzled and delighted the community (complete with elephants).

Relax and enjoy your Labor Day weekend as we get ready for the fall season and the new school year. Have a BBQ, connect with family & friends and remember the holiday’s true meaning – to celebrate the hard work, determination and sacrifices of our AMERICAN WORKERS.

As I’ve said many times, we must know our history to understand where we are today, to help best plan and project our future. So, take in our Town to the fullest over the weekend and surround yourself with natural historical beauty at the Mill Race Village!

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.)

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