NORTHVILLIANS,
Happy Pre-St. Patrick’s Day! For this one special day, let’s all agree that whether SPARTY, WOLVERINE or other, let’s “GO GREEN.”
St. Patrick’s Day Info:
- Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held March 17th, and has many titles: The Feast of Saint Patrick, St. Patrick’s Day, St. Paddy’s Day, and St. Patty’s Day in North America. It was made an official Christian festival day in the early 17th century.
- St. Paddy’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland, Labrador and Montserrat.
St. Patrick was known as the “Apostle of Ireland” and was an active missionary during the fifth century, along with being recognized as the patron Saint of Ireland … the day signifies the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
Let’s look at St. Patrick’s Days in The Ville over time…
- Northville historically has had a notable percentage of Irish citizens who share my family’s Scottish/Irish heritage. (Brian PATRICK Turnbull)
- Years past, there were even cabbage fields off Rayson near Ford Field. Thus, the name “Cabbagetown” for this section of the Ville.
Historic Northville Record articles on St. Paddy’s Day in Town include:
1890’s – Some of the largest social gatherings in town, including parties & dances, were on St. Patrick’s Day. Hundreds from southeastern Michigan gathered at the Princess Rink (behind the Marquis Theatre).
1912-1914 – The format for St. Paddy’s Day activities switched from more formal gatherings to a “Barn Dance” Shamrock affair. The cost for dinner, dancing & festivities was $1.50 a couple. Country garb was in vogue then … over 500 attended!
1920’s – The Record in 1920 ran an article about a St. Paddy’s Day luncheon with games, activities and elaborate Green & White decorations sponsored by the Woman’s Club. Also, in ’27, the High School Gym (Old Village School) was the location for an OLV-sponsored St. Patrick’s Day “Spirit of America” community banquet.
1948 – The Garden Club sponsored a St. Pat’s luncheon in Orchard Heights. Table centerpieces featured green & pink snapdragons & yellow daffodils … stated the Record.
2001 – The Northville Record ran an ad highlighting a Shamrock plant sale at IV Season’s flower shop (Baby Baby today). Green & White St. Paddy’s socks were in stock at the Marquis Gift Shoppe as well. The following Irish toast was published in the newspaper:
“May your blessings outnumber the Shamrocks that grow
& may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”
2021 – In Northville’s downtown Social District, green beer & festivities abounded. The Shawn Riley Band played some Irish jigs in the town square area.
For 2025 – I invite you to be part of our traditions & sample some Irish Stew & Corned Beef, watch Irish Dancers, drink some GREEN beer, and listen to the music that will abound in the Ville… and especially get in the spirit a little early on 3/15, 7-11:30pm at the Marquis Theatre for Declan’s Dance: A St. Patrick’s Celebration. All proceeds/donations go to the Ford Field Playground Initiative via the Declan Carter Foundation. Donate (Link) or buy Tickets (Link)
Keep that Irish up, Northvillians … in a good way!
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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