Easter

NORTHVILLIANS,

Easter week is upon us … To some, this is an extremely spiritual time of the year (Holy Week), and to others with young children, it’s about the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. We will take a look at both, and also see how others around the world celebrate this season.

Easter is known as the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church, celebrating the resurrection and takes place in the Western Church on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the northern spring equinox. Ramadan is also celebrated this month and Muslims worldwide engage in fasting, prayer, reflecting and community.

Now let’s take a look at Easter activities through time in the Ville::

1898 – Local tailor (Freydl’s) advertised special Easter gifts for the holiday, and another local shop (Holmes, Dancer & Co.) offered Easter gloves (for 69 cents) and jeweled belts (25 cents).

1902 – The ladies of the Presbyterian Church held an Easter charity bazaar at the Princess Rink (across from CVS) on Dunlap St. with music & entertainment. They displayed domestic works, candy assortments, secondhand goods, vegetables, and poultry. The Presby’s were also known for their evening gatherings and meals at the church or the library around Easter.

1909 – The Record spoke about the Methodist Church’s Easter cantata, noting, “the bright catchy music in this production will be for all music lovers.”

1916 – The Northville Record told us about outstanding Easter choir activities at all the churches in the Village. “The bells and the music were abounding for all Northvillians to experience.”

1933 – Pageantry took place with a group of actors who played out the Easter story for three different churches in town. Additionally, a Hallelujah choral event took place at OLV in the Orchard Heights area.

1949 – A famous radio music host (Sergeant Legree), who had been a police officer in Flint, sang at the Northville Baptist Church. Additionally, sunrise services were common this year.

1989 – The legend of the Easter Tree was reported in the paper, describing how it symbolized the joyous season of rebirth and triumph over winter. The tradition originated in Europe with Easter ornaments on it. Genitti’s had these trees for sale for $20 each ($45 in today’s dollars). And they sold out!

1997 – An article on “Easters Around the World” published in The Record included the following insights (among others) about various countries: 

• Ukraine – Intricate designs and symbols of spring are created by applying beeswax to eggs and dipping them in dye.
• Former Yugoslavia – Easter eggs dipped in various dyes were a local custom. The colors originally were made from huckleberry juice and other natural dyes.
• Scotland, Ireland & Great Britain – Roll their decorated eggs down hills and the last egg not broken is the winner (similar to the annual White House Easter Egg Roll event which dates back to the 1870’s).

1999 – A “Record” article spoke about students from Amerman & Thornton Creek elementary schools putting baskets together for St. Vincent & the Sarah Fisher children center.

Through the years – Local organizations and churches have supported many families in the community by delivering Easter dinner baskets. I have been privileged and proud to be part of a group of Masons that deliver scores of Easter meal baskets in the area.

The Masons, Rotary, Woman’s Club, VFW, American Legion along with all of our spiritual institutions and others in the community have reached out in the past & continue to do so today to share with others during this season. On a lighter note, historically these same groups have also sponsored Easter egg hunts and Easter Bunny visits, along with many youth and musical events dating back to our historic Opera House days.

Keep that Northville Community Easter Faith and enjoy your Good Friday, along with a weekend with family, friends or those close to you in life. Perhaps catch some musical performances at our spiritual institutions. Remember to share your time & talents with those in need around you on a daily basis, especially during this Easter season.

Keep that Northville Community 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