NORTHVILLIANS,
Last week during our Victorian Festival Days, the weather was almost perfect … it was even summer-like for the parade on Friday night. Northville was truly alive with people and bands throughout the three-day festival. The Saloon Beer Tent at the American Legion was rocking, the Marquis Theatre had a concert Friday night, there was an outstanding car show Saturday, and the weekend was jam-packed all the way to the Duck Race Sunday at the historic Mill Race Village.
On top of all that, visitors gathered on the Mill Race Village’s newly bricked lane to honor veteran Melvin Anderson (of the Northville Watch and Clock Shop) for his military service and his 100th birthday. We also dedicated the recently completed Tree Carving (our “History Tree”) and recognized those who worked together to bring it to completion. This week, we are transitioning to the topic of our esteemed seniors who gathered for our annual Old Timer’s luncheon and crowned a Senior of the Year … Mr. James Lapham who we will refer to in detail shortly.
Let’s transition to the Old Timers organization in Northville…
This Northville Old Timers gathering of 120 or so seniors rekindled memories and stories of local history, back when Northville was ranked just behind Detroit in economic production for Michigan. During these early years, trains, trolleys, and stagecoaches were a common site in our bustling metropolis.
The Old Timers (History) luncheon has been ongoing for decades and has kept the community connected to our colorful past, its characters, and its storytellers.
Friends, classmates, acquaintances, and newcomers listened and swapped stories about families and activities in town.
I personally believe we must know our history to plan our future. The Old Timers annual History luncheon is a social activity that reconnects us with our past.
This year’s Senior of the Year recipient was James Lapham.
The Lapham Family is a multi-generational family that was in business in Northville for most of our history (Ponsfords then Lapham’s). Jim, who graduated with the NHS Class of ’53, served in the Navy and was keenly involved with Scouts and flying Airplanes. Most importantly, he’s devoted to Kathy, his wife of close to 60 years, and his family. He has supported this community he has loved for his entire life. The Northville Community is pleased to recognize and thank him for all he’s done for our town and citizens.
Again, we are very fortunate to have an annual Old Timers History gathering where generational citizens help keep Northville’s history alive in our hearts and our minds. As I’ve said often, the future of our town rests on the shoulders of those that have come before us.
The first day of fall was this past Sunday, and appropriately, we are kicking off the Fall series this coming week with letters that feature Homecoming, Cider Mills, Fall Colors and Halloween. Enjoy the Fall days and slow down for a moment to catch up on the times gone by in this beloved town we all call home.
Keep that Northville 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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