Victorian Festival

NORTHVILLIANS,

It was great to see many of you at events around town last weekend. Northville was certainly rocking with the help of the outstanding weather. The Shawn Riley Band played at Town Square, a Meat Loaf tribute concert was at the Marquis Theatre, along with a car show at the Farmers’ Market area and other happenings.  Additionally, under the Friday Night lights, the Northville Mustangs battled ranked Howell and the Stang’s still remain undefeated. Also, it was great to see MSU & Michigan come out victorious this weekend too.

In this week’s Newsletter, I wanted to gear up for this year’s Victorian Festival weekend which begins Friday 9/19. It all starts with students gathering at the Mill Race Historic Village and culminates with their participation that night at the Victorian parade at 6:30 PM. The weekend’s activities include a pancake breakfast by Rotary at the American Legion Saturday morning in the same place as their Beer Tent (Dunlap/Center). There will be concerts, vendors, many Festival events, along with a Sunday Duck Race on the river at The Mill Race Village and even the excitement of historic horse and buggy rides around the Ville.

The Victorian Festival week is always a special one, especially for all of our third graders who spend a great deal of time learning about our 200-year history with stops at the Mill Race Village.  It’s truly our time to celebrate our storied past.

Let’s look back at ways Northvillians have experienced our Vic Fest over the years…

The Victorian Era refers to the years 1820 – 1914, corresponding roughly (but not exactly) to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901). It was characterized by the growing number of people that were given the right to vote and booming industrial growth.

During this time, Northville transformed from one of the first milling areas (Saw & Grist Mills) in the State to a bustling Village with a dynamic downtown. Folks came to visit via trains, trolleys, and stagecoaches for business and entertainment.  During our country’s Industrial Revolution, Northville grew to be the second largest economic power in the State, behind Detroit.

In 1927, Northville celebrated its first 100 years with a huge Centennial Parade, the largest parade in our State’s history up to that time, which commemorated our Victorian roots. Henry Ford (honorary citizen) assisted. Movie LINK

• Through the years, the Victorian Festival has had house & history tours, live Victorian performances and cemetery walks through Oakwood, which is the final resting place for American Revolutionary and many Civil War vets. There are a plethora of historic placemaking areas in town, but the Mill Race Village is the epicenter of them all.
• Victorian Weddings have been commonplace at the Mill Race during the Festival (I’ve officiated over 80 of them (many with Tails & Top Hat), with one happening just this past weekend.
• During the Fest, Northville’s Victorian-era baseball team (Eclipse) has had games in authentic vintage uniforms at our historic Ford Field.
• Additionally, historical Victorian parades, costume balls, and games have been associated with our yearly activities. Also, duck races and Victorian hat contests have taken place in past years with bagpipers piping. (FYI – the Duck Race will be held at 3pm Sunday at Mill Race)

I believe knowing our past is crucial to planning our future together. I fully encourage you to come to the Victorian Festival (LINK) this weekend to learn more about our community’s history. Stroll through our Mill Race Village or visit the library with its history room to read about our past. You can also view historic photos at City Hall where I always offer to tour you around and answer questions about our exciting past.

Get ready for a week of Northville History!
Keep that Northville Fall 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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