Women’s History

NORTHVILLIANS,

As we celebrate National Women’s Month and related local history, I will highlight some standout Northville women who have truly made a difference, locally and globally.

Global Women’s Month Celebration:

Women’s History Month (March) has been observed since 1987, and celebrates women’s contributions to history, culture and the needs of society. The theme for 2025 is “Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”

In 1776, future First Lady Abigail Adams sent a note to her husband stating, “Remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.”

Many glass ceilings have been shattered in this country, and progress is continuing … a famous quote is “When there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit.”

Multiple women have broken through difficult glass ceilings (or in some cases, truly hardwood ceilings), including Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, and many more known to us.

Today, I would like to highlight some special women close to home, including Alice Beal, Mary Lapham, Mary Gilbert, former Governor Jennifer Granholm and business leaders such as Mary Barra (CEO-GM) … notably, all are Northvillians.

Let’s look at a sampling of strong Northvillian Women…

Sarah Ann Cochrane (1832-1917) – Father was the pastor at the New School Church (in Mill Race Village today). She taught at the Northville Academy (Randolph St.) and was instrumental in organizing the Detroit Public Library. The Northville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is named in her honor.

Alice Beal in 1869 was the first NHS graduate. She was the daughter of the owner of the Globe Furniture Factory (largest school furniture factory in the world at one time), in Bealtown.

Dr. Mary Lapham (1860-1936) – She operated/owned Lapham State Bank in Northville and started the Library Association, donating a facility for it (New School Church building). She was the founder of the Woman’s Club, served in WWI, became a doctor at 40 and was an innovator in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Ida B. Cooke (1889-1974) – A beloved Northville teacher & coach (Cooke School) that inspired many women in Northville. Ida was friends with my mother and grandmother who were part of the Business & Professional Women’s Club in town. She inspired my mother to go on to Business School in the 1930’s and become a “Rosie the Riveter” during WWII.

Mary Gilbert – was an inspiring educator at the turn of the century, despite being deaf. Her compassion for others, especially those less fortunate during the great depression, was legendary. She built a log cabin on River St. which has been relocated and will be used as a museum/comfort station on our Riverwalk.

Also, a notable mention – Katherine Stinson (National Aviation Hall of Fame) was the inspiration for her brother Eddie, whose aircraft business was in Northville.

Many other distinguished women from town have made a difference both nationally and globally, including former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Michigan’s 47th Governor Jennifer Granholm and General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

A quick snapshot of some of the other local businesses run by women:

Studio 170 (Tita Daskal) / Wagon Wheel (Sandy Ronk) / Northville Gear (Jenna Davis)

Genitti’s (Toni, now Laura) and previously their Aunt Mary Ware had businesses in town

Casterlines (Roxanne, Lindsey & Courtney) / Rebecca’s Restaurant (Rebecca Good)

Little Salumi (Jessica Poole) /Tuscan Cafe (Jayme Hundley)/Gardenviews (Carol Peretto)

Orin’s Jewelers (Antoinette) / Long Mechanical (Allison Long)

Dancing Eye Gallery (Theresa Schierloh) / Dear Prudence (Prudence Kauffman)

Stampeddler (Margene Buckhave) / Kiss My Lash (Jennifer Nguyen)

Mi Skin Center (Dr. Francisca Kartono) / Celebrity Pets (Shauna Parzuchowski)

Table 5 / Lucy and The Wolf (Mishelle Lussier) / Adorn Fine Flowers (Alicia Racine)

Keep that Northville Women’s History Month 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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