NORTHVILLIANS,
This week we celebrated April Fools’ Day. The Spring Season is finally beginning. It seems in the last week or so we have had all four seasons, depending on the day. As they say, wait 24 hours in Michigan and the weather changes. I will talk about some historical happenings this time of year as the trees and flowers begin to blossom in the Ville, welcoming the season of Car Shows, weddings and planned outdoor events.
A quick side note on April Fools’ Day:
- The exact origins of April Fools’ Day are unknown, but theories include:
- That religious leaders in the 16th century refuted the re-establishment of the New Year’s date on January 1st, preferring it begin at the end of the Christian Holy Week in early April. Some called these religious fanatics “April Fools.”
- Also, around that time, in 1592, France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar… thus some were fooled by which calendar to follow.
- Other theories regarding April Fools’ Day date back to origins in ancient Rome and a festival called Hilaria held at the end of March. To celebrate, people would dress up in disguises and fool each other on who was behind the masks.
Historical Highlights from The Northville Record Around April Fools’ Day:
1870 – A column in The Northville Record by J. D. Yerkes (Yerkes St.) highlighted spring weather in town and songs of Grosbeak birds in the air. By the way, William Yerkes, a previous Mayor of Northville, married Sarah Cady (Cady St.) and their home is in Mill Race Village.
1893 – Charles L. Dubuar (Dubuar St.) was elected as Northville’s new president (e.g., Mayor). He graduated from Northville Schools and U of M, worked for the war department in DC and then the US Postal Service before serving “the best & prettiest village in all the State.”
1896 – The Record spoke about the growing and overflowing Northville Schools … some teachers had more than 70 students in a class, leading to discussions of additional facilities.
1917 – At the Northville Spring Barn Dance, 500+ Northvillians enjoyed a full orchestra, luncheon and decorations. Ford sponsored a special D.U.R. (Detroit United Railway) streetcar to transport 60 young men and their dates to Town.
1927 – The Federal Government announced the purchase of a modern single-wing Northville-built Stinson plane to be used to enforce new air regulations in the skies around the Detroit area.
1946 – The State of Michigan purchased 290 acres on Seven Mile for a State Hospital. Today, this acreage is part of the Legacy Park trails and recreational site being planned by Northville Parks & Rec under the leadership of Northville Township.
1956–The Record wrote about our old ancient Firetruck, which was being retired with a replacement being contemplated. At the time, there was a slightly newer firetruck owned jointly by the City and the Township. The old pumper truck was originally purchased before our 1927 Centennial Parade. Today, it has been fully restored and is sitting at a museum in Ohio, ready for action during our Bicentennial in 2027.
Some Northvillians thought that some of the news items above were just April Fools’ jokes… but they ALL happened.
Other newsworthy Spring events around April Fools’ Day included:
- On March 30, 1934, a foot of “Spring snow” fell.
- Spring concerts in 1967-68 included a young upstart from Ann Arbor called Bob Seger, who performed at the “CAVERN” at the Community Center Building.
- Northville Spring events starting some Years on April 1st included shopping, dining & music on the first Fridays in April.
- In 2016 shortly after April Fools’ day, a Spring Music concert was scheduled that showcased NINE Northville High School groups.
As you can see, through the years a lot of activity has happened in the Spring around April Fools’ Day in our “Hamlet in the Hills” or “Switzerland of Wayne County” we call Northville.
Keep that Northville Spring 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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