NORTHVILLIANS,
As Father’s Day (June 15th) approaches this weekend, I would like to slow down and reflect on activities in Northville over the years surrounding this day.
First, let’s take a look at the history of FATHER’S DAY …
Following that highly publicized event, a growing movement began in America to celebrate Father’s Day each June. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson officially recognized the observance of Father’s Day nationally.
Father’s Day dates back to 1906 when a church in West Virginia held a service to honor 362 men who had been killed the previous year in a coal mining explosion.
A few years later, there was an extremely large Father’s Day community celebration at a ceremony on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington for all fathers.
Let’s take a look at Historic Northville Father’s Day Activities:
Through the years, many Father’s Day activities and traditions have been celebrated in Northville. In our household, it historically was a day when my son and I spent time together going to the “Pilgrimage of Speed” known as the NASCAR Stock Car races at Michigan International Speedway. My father took me to the very first races there in the late 1960’s.
Historic Father’s Days in Northville:
1944 – A salute to Father’s Day included an ad in The Northville Record suggesting buying War bonds for Dad’s special day.
1946 – The paper spoke about OLV’s annual breakfast for Father’s Day, where they gave out awards for the oldest and the youngest father in attendance, and also for the one who had the most children. This tradition continued for most of the last century.
1964 – Northville Drug Company advertised gifts for fathers, including pipes, cigars, and other items and even offered free delivery.
1968 – The electric razor was all the craze at Northville Gunsell Drug store, with their ad stating, “Make dad glad on Father’s Day with a Sunbeam or Norelco electric shaver.”
Also, in 1968 – A fashion show for Father’s Day gifts was offered by local retailers and was staged around the brand-new pool at Kings Mill … the public was invited to this festive event.
1974 – There was an article published in The Record with the headline, “Like father like son.” It stated, “Every good tree maketh good fruit.” This 14th century saying is still a truism today.
1977 – Good Time Party Store ran their traditional Father’s Day Lobster with a Bottle of Wine promotion, inviting folks to pick out a live lobster from their tank for Father’s Day.
1983 – There was a Father’s Day celebration at Guernsey’swhere rides were offered on an old-fashioned horse-drawn Guernsey Milk Wagon pulled by Belgian show horses.
1996 – Bueter’s outdoor store spoke about fly fishing gifts for dad – “Tie one on with your dad this Father’s Day.” Fly fishing lessons and trips were available!
So, let’s slow down and celebrate Father’s Day weekend, and keep our fathers top of mind on this special day of celebration.
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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