A note from from Mayor Brian Turnbull...


** NORTHVILLIANS,
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A week or so ago we enjoyed 60-degree days, setting records. Now it’s snowing again …
only in Michigan. Historically, winter is starting to wind down when we make it to Presidents’ Day. This year, the holiday is Monday, February 19. Over the years, we’ve had presidents, governors and many other dignitaries visit Northville around Presidents’ Day week and for civic occasions. Notably, George H. W. Bush, our 41^st president (’89 – ’93), came through Northville on his presidential train with wife Barbara who had been involved in our community activities.

BACKGROUND ON PRESIDENTS' DAY
* Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) is a holiday in the U.S., celebrated the third Monday of February to honor all persons who served as President.

* The federal holiday especially honors our first President, George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution. He was an integral part of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Additionally, this day historically honors President Lincoln, too. For close to this holiday’s first 100 years (1879 – 1971), only Washington’s birthday was celebrated, and then it was changed to Presidents’ Day.

Before looking at previous Presidents' Days in the Ville, let's take a look at what's going on TODAY!
* Mary Gilbert's Historic Cabin - The Northville River Task Force needs your help to move this innovative cabin built on the river by a very remarkable woman. Contact the Historical Society at Mill Race Village to arrange for in-person donations. Link ([link removed])

* Underground Railroad in Northville presentation at the Library (2/21, Wednesday, 7PM) – I will highlight local locations associated with the Underground Railroad and related topics. Link ([link removed])

* Chili’in the Ville Chili Cookoff (2/24, 1-4PM, Downtown) Sample chili, view ice sculptures and then enjoy a Free “Northville Folk” Concert at the Marquis Theatre at 7PM. Link ([link removed])

* Snow Moon Hike Walk (2/24, 7:00 PM) Maybury State Park – Link ([link removed])

* Tipping Point Theater’s “The Chinese Lady” by Lloyd Suh (until 3/3). Link ([link removed])

* Day of the Dude (3/6, 4-10PM, Downtown). Take it easy, watch The Big Lebowski at Garage Grill, hear live music at Genitti’s, and help support the new Ford Field playground. Link ([link removed])

* Bicentennial Task Force and Cemeterian TEAM – Meetings will begin in March. Let me know if you’re interested in joining … stay tuned!
INFO
Questions from Citizens
- Why are the backs of the new entry signs blank? MDOT prohibits anything on the reverse side.
- Are we placing established 1827 on the new signs? Yes, on all gateway signs during Phase II!
- Griswold Bridge/8 Mile Paving – Bridge Designed in 2022, Engineered ’23, Construction ’24, paved ‘24
- Baseline watermain break – Temporary fix complete/ permanent construction by end of summer
- Pothole Hotline (Wayne County) – call 1-888-762-3273
Projects Around Town
- Ford Field – Phase 1 Renovation begins 4/1 (entry way, overview vista, fencing, infrastructure, parking)
- Riverwalk – Possible daylighting of the river and building of River Park begins in spring @ Downs with construction road cut in from 7 Mile
- Northville Downs – Possible asbestos removal & demolition (spring) along with 14-acre River Park by ‘25
- Farmers’ Market – For 2024, temporary location has been committed, which will be the Highland Lakes Strip Mall. For 2025, we are reviewing plans
- Social District – Bollards installed, planned use May-Oct. for Pedestrian District, reviewing long term plans
- Infrastructure – Orchard Dr '24/Eaton Dr ’25, crosswalk painting, traffic calming, with roads reviewed & ranked
- Mill Race – Lane construction & drainage upgrades beginning Summer ‘24
- Tree Champions – Heritage Elm (behind City Hall) will be carved by ’25 with history scenes scrolling on it

Presidents' Day of Yesteryear in Northville:

The following activities are chronicled in The Northville Record (oldest weekly newspaper in the Metro area dating back to 1869):
* 1992 – President George H. W. Bush (1989-1993) & First Lady Barbara Bush slowed down their campaign train as they came through Northville’s Cabbagetown area and waved to those gathered along both sides of the track. They moved slowly past the Albert Kahn-designed Ford Plant (Water Wheel Centre) and continued on through Bealtown, greeting countless citizens who were there to witness this historic event.

* 1934 – Albert Kohler, a Northville native, decorated a record-setting cake for Pres. Roosevelt. The 250-lb birthday cake was sent to the White House for the celebration.

GOVERNORS in Town – Numerous Michigan governors have come to town for various activities through the years, especially around Presidents’ Day:
* 1904 – Gov. Warner (1905-1910) visited Northville routinely and lived close by in Farmington. He owned the Clover Dairy, and many of his 13 cheese factories were in the area. He spoke at our band shell in 1904 where he launched his governor’s race.

* 1932 – Gov. Brucker (1931-1932) spent time in Northville kicking off our County Fair multiple years (which was even larger than the State Fair). Additionally, Prince Louis Ferdinand, the crowned Prince of Prussia, spent time in Northville in the 1930’s.

* 1950 – Governor (Soapy) Williams (1949-1960) opened the Northville Downs racing season on more than one occasion, which included the Governor’s Trot race, where a world champion mare (Onolee Hanover) was entered one year. That year the Governor spoke at Ford Field and also dedicated the Northville State Hospital (Legacy Park today).

* 1962 – Gov. Romney (’63-’69) – Mitt Romney’s father & former Chairman of American Motors, also launched his campaign for governor in Northville, like many before.

* 1982 – Gov. Bill Milliken (’69-’82) spent time in our city and always had a small Northville flag on his desk in Lansing (given to him during his first visit here). He dedicated our Main Street ’78 renovation program.

* 1998 – Gov. Engler (’91-’02) signed legislation in the City of Northville in the fall of this year before stopping at our historic Parmenter’s Cider Mill to speak to a large crowd.

* 2003 – Gov. Jennifer Granholm (’03-’10) lived here in the community as a Northvillian, spending a great deal of time in the Ville. She is presently the U.S. Secretary of Energy.

* 2012 – Gov. Snyder took spirited questions from local residents in a town hall here.

* 2019 – Governor Gretchen Whitmer (2019 -) has been to town on a dozen occasions, and I’ve had the honor to introduce and host her in our “Hamlet in the Hills.”

As you can see, Presidents, Governors and other notables in society have visited our Town over the years making their mark on our community, especially around Presidents’ Day. Now it’s time to make YOUR mark – we all have 60 minutes in each hour and 24 hours in a day, and it’s how we use this time and who we share it with that makes a difference in Life. I challenge you to make a difference for your community.
Keep that Northville Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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