NORTHVILLIANS,

Easter week is upon us …To some, this is an extremely spiritual time of the year (Holy Week), and to others with young children, it’s all about the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. We will take a look at both, and also see how others around the world celebrate.  Additionally, you may have seen this week, the Governor proclaimed April as Arab American Heritage and Chaldean-American Month in the State of Michigan.

For now, let's take a closer look at what Easter is all about:

• 4/8, The Northville Cars and Coffee Car Show: (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, next to 212 W. Cady St. 48167). Kicking off yet another year always on the 2^nd Saturday of the month, in cooperation with the “Motorsports Mayor,” Alexanders of Northville and Kevin McLoughlin.
   
• 4/8, The Township Cars & Coffee show: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Five Mile & Beck.  
   
• 4/22, Sweet & Savory Spiced Tea (1:00 – 3:00 PM @ Mill Race Village): Stu & Michele Eddy share spicy knowledge accompanied by delicious treats by Victoria’s Tea. Details - 734 968 7338
   
• 4/22, Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway, Northville Township Hall, (44405 Six Mile) – Drive up from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, place your order and the seedlings will be brought to your car (no charge to City, Township or School District residents).
   
• 4/26, Arbor Day Lecture by Jim Porterfield (ISA Certified Arborist), Northville District Library, starts 7:00 PM.  Learn about how to care for your trees from a long-time expert (see you there). LINK. 

Let's take a look at Easter activities through time in the Ville:

1898 – Our local tailor (Freydl’s) advertised special Easter patterns for the holiday and another local shop (Holmes, Dancer & Co.), offered Easter gloves (for 69 cents), a jeweled belt (25 cents) and ribbon (10 cents/yard).

1902 – The ladies of the Presbyterian Church held an Easter charity bazaar at the Princess Rink on Dunlap (across from CVS), displaying domestic works, candy assortments, secondhand goods, vegetables and poultry. The Presby’s were also known for their evening meals at the church or the library. This particular year, it was at the “Rink” with Pot Pies being served before an evening of music & entertainment.

1909 – The Record spoke about the Methodist Church’s Easter cantata, noting, “the bright catchy music in this cantata will be for all music lovers.”

1916 – The Northville Record told us about outstanding Easter choir activities at all the churches in the Village and mentioned that most of our citizens attended. “The bells and the music were abounding for all Northvillians to experience.”

1933 – Pageantry took place with a group of actors who played out the Easter Bible story for three different churches in town. Additionally, a Hallelujah choral event took place at OLV that could be heard throughout the Orchard Heights area.

1949 – A famous radio music host (Sergeant Legree), who had been a police officer in Flint at one time, sang at the Northville Baptist Church. Additionally, sunrise services were common this year.

1989 – The legend of the Easter Tree was reported in the paper, describing how it symbolized the joyous season of rebirth and triumph over winter. It originated in Europe where children celebrated spring by parading with pussy willow and birch branches laden with Easter ornaments. Genitti’s had these trees for sale that year for $20 each ($45 in today’s dollars).  And they sold out!

1997 – An article on “Easters Around the World” published in The Record  included the following insights (among others) about various countries: 

• Ukraine – Intricate designs and symbols of spring are created by applying beeswax to eggs and dipping them in dye.
• Former Yugoslavia – Easter eggs dipped in various dyes were a local custom. The colors originally were made from huckleberry juice and other natural dyes.
• Scotland, Ireland & Great Britain – They roll their decorated eggs down hills and the last egg not broken is the winner (similar to the annual White House Easter Egg Roll event).

1999 – An article in The Record spoke about students from Amerman and Thornapple Creek elementary schools putting baskets together for St. Vincent and the Sarah Fisher Center for children.

Through the years – Local organizations and churches have supported those in need around the community delivering Easter dinner baskets. I was privileged and proud to be part of a group of Masons this past weekend that delivered scores of Easter meal baskets in preparation of the holiday to those in the community.

The Masons, Rotary, Woman’s Club, VFW, American Legion along with all of our spiritual institutions and others in the community have been reaching out to those in need in our area throughout the years.  On a lighter note, the same groups have also sponsored Easter egg hunts and Easter Bunny visits, along with many youth events and even musical events at our historic Opera House in days past celebrating the holiday.
 
Keep that Northville Community Easter Faith, and enjoy the weekend with family, friends and those close to you in your life.  Remember to share your time & talents with those in need around you on a daily basis, especially during this Easter season.