NORTHVILLIANS,
It was great to see many of you at the Lighted Holiday Parade last weekend. Happily, the weather was outstanding and the parade memorable with folks 6 deep on either side of the newly opened street. The high school carolers got us ready to light up the community tree in Town Square before we gave Santa the key to the city. Santa slid into town via Dr. Demray’s Preservation Dental Volkswagen reindeer … and a brightly lit VW minibus pickup was his sleigh. Denise Jenkins (Northville Chamber board member) coordinated an outstanding parade in cooperation with Chamber Exec. Director Doug Wallace, who was responsible for the 46 floats and entries.
This past weekend, many Northvillians continued to walk the town around the “Greens Market,” where we used our new bollards to close Main St. for this mini-festival. The bollards give us the flexibility for parades, festivals, and events like we had Friday night with the Lighted Parade, Tree Lighting, and concert at the Marquis Theater for all in the community.
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it is truly up to all of us to slow down and reflect on all for which we are thankful. Like many, I am sincerely grateful for family & friends. Thanksgiving (as you know) is a national holiday and is even celebrated (on various dates) outside the U.S., It began as a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest. Thanksgiving has historical roots in religious & cultural traditions and has long been celebrated as a secular holiday as well.
Before looking into our Thanksgiving activities over time...let's see what's going on in "The Ville" today.
- Thanksgiving Dinner for all in our community. On Thursday, 11/23 at noon, everyone is invited to enjoy food, fellowship, and football at the First United Methodist Church (777 Eight Mile). Call 248.349.1144 or see link if you are interested in joining or serving. Link
- City Leaf pickup – North of 8 Mile: Week of 11/27; South of 8 Mile: Week of 12/4
- Mill Race Christmas in the Village – Fri. & Sat., Dec. 1-2. Holiday Fun for the whole family at the beautiful Historic Mill Race Village. See link for details and tickets. Link
- Christmas Tree Sale – Scout Troop 755 is selling fresh Fraser Firs at the American Legion (100 W. Dunlap) weekends from now until Christmas. See link for details or email [email protected]. Link
- Magic of Christmas at Maybury Farm – Sat. & Sun., Dec. 2-3 & 9-10. Holiday Fun and Visits with Santa. See link for info and tickets. Link
- Free Holiday Concerts – Detroit Handbell Ensemble, Sat., 12/2 at 7pm, Advent Songfest, Sun., 12/10 at 10am and 6:30pm – First United Methodist Church Northville, 777 W 8 Mile
- Tipping Point Theater – Featuring “A Very Northville Christmas” from 11/29-12/23. See link for tickets. Link
- Mayoral Weekly Letters – For those that would like to search for info from previous Northvillians Letters, click the following link. Link
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Thankgsivings of Yesteryear in The Ville...
- 1800’s – Starting in the late 1800s, large community Thanksgiving gatherings took place yearly at Northville’s historic meeting place (the Princess Rink - Dunlap/Center area), including a night-before gala event with food & live music for Northvillians and those from all the surrounding communities.
- 1800’s to early 1900’s – Historically, ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve services were held with many of the local churches gathering together, helping to grow a holiday spirit of cooperation and support for those in need in the community.
- From 1800’s till Today – Thanksgiving baskets & meals for those in the community have always been part of the holiday locally. Many organizations such as the Masons, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Rotary, Woman’s Club, and others have continued this tradition to this day.
- Early 1900s – There was a great deal of Thanksgiving activities; the traditional Thanksgiving community football game (Athletic Park where Northville Downs is today) and previously, down by Hines Drive. Additionally, Thanksgiving events also occurred at the library yearly, sponsored by the Woman’s Club … with locals giving remembrances of Thanksgivings past.
- 1932 – According to The Northville Record, it was an extraordinarily hard year economically for the Village. Council rose to the occasion and combined forces with the American Legion, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and many other local organizations to form a local support Committee so all those in the community could have an enjoyable Thanksgiving.
- 1972 – The Record published a proclamation from Mayor Allen. It read, in part: “I, the Mayor of Northville, do hereby proclaim November 23rd as a time for sincere thanksgiving for the people of our community.“
Over 50 years later, I give my best wishes to all Northvillians. Please have a safe, restful & enjoyable holiday. If you are looking for a welcoming place to gather, I will see you with the rest of my family at the community Thanksgiving event at the Methodist Church (777 8 Mile), Thursday at 12:00. Let’s all share our time & talents with those in need around us, especially during this holiday weekend.
Keep that Northville Thanksgiving Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849
(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)
Click the following link to subscribe to this weekly newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/5a31f2ec1a6e/turnbullformayor
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