NORTHVILLIANS,

Presidents’ Day 2022

You know winter is starting to wind down when we make it to Presidents’ Day, with all its “special day sales” and celebrations.  This year, that will be Monday, February 21.  Over the years, we’ve had presidents, governors and many other dignitaries visit Northville around Presidents’ Day and for other civic occasions.  Notably, even George H. W. Bush, our 41^st president (‘89-‘93), came through via train. We will take a look at some of those special local moments.  

BACKGROUND on Presidents’ Day

• Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) is a holiday in the United States, celebrated the third Monday of February to honor all persons who served as President of the United States.
• The federal holiday especially honors our first President, George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution and was part of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.  Later, the day historically honored President Lincoln, too.
• Washington’s birthday was the celebration from 1879-1971, and then Presidents’ Day after that.

• Chili’in the Ville – Saturday February 26^th, 1-5 PM, Downtown Northville. The City & Township Fire Departments along with several restaurants will face off in a HEATED chili competition. Ice sculptures will be on display, along with the availability of chili samplings.
• Snowmen sculptures are on display in downtown Northville through the winter months. Remember that Woody the Woodchuck (in Howell) said 6 more weeks of winter, so you have plenty of time to get out and walk the downtown streets and spot the sculptures. 

Now let’s take a look at the latest COVID data: 

COVID-19 CONFIRMED CASES: Northville has had 698 cases/9 fatalities, Township 5594/74, Michigan 2.3M/34K, Nation 78M/922K, Global 412M/5.8M. (CDC) * Wayne County Data.

Transitioning to Presidents' Day and other Civic activities that have occurred in the Ville through the years...

• In 1992, President George H. W. Bush & First Lady Barbara Bush slowed down their campaign train as they came through Northville’s Cabbage Town area and waved to those that gathered along both sides of the track. They moved slowly past the Albert Kahn-designed Ford Plant (Water Wheel Centre), advanced past our Chamber building and continued on through Beal Town, greeting countless citizens who were there to witness this historic event. (Barbara Bush had visited Schoolcraft College and the Northville area previously.)
• In 1934, Albert Kohler, a Northville native, had a part in decorating a record-setting cake for President Roosevelt.  That 250-pound birthday cake was sent to the White House in Washington D.C. for the celebration. 

• 1904 – Fred Warner visited Northville routinely and lived close by in Farmington. He owned the regional Clover Dairy, and some of his 13 cheese factories were in the Northville area.  He spoke at our band shell in 1904 where he launched his quest to become governor, leading to his three terms in office. 
• 1932 – Gov. Brucker spent time here kicking off our County Fair (which was even larger than the State Fair). 
• 1950 – Governor (Soapy) Williams opened up Northville Downs racing season with a world champion  mare (Onoleee Hanover) entered in the Governor’s Trot race.  Also in 1950, the Governor spoke at Ford Field to the Northville Ford Valve plant workers, and he dedicated the Northville State Hospital on Seven Mile in 1952. The Governor enjoyed the Ville.
• 1962 – Gov. Romney (father of Mitt Romney & former Chairmen of American Motors) launched his campaign for governor in Northville during our 4^th of July celebration. In 1965 his wife (Lenore LaFount) was the guest speaker at events in the Ville. 
• 1982-83 – Gov. Bill Milliken spent time in our city and always had a Northville flag on his desk in the capital in Lansing. He dedicated our Main Street renovation program in the early 1980’s.
• 1998 – Gov. Engler signed legislation while he was in town and later visited our historic cider mill.
• Prior to being elected and moving to Lansing, Gov. Jennifer Granholm was a Northvillian and lived in the community.  She is presently the U.S. Secretary of Energy.
• 2012 – Gov. Rick Snyder took questions from local residents in a virtual town hall.
• Present day – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been to town on many occasions, and I’ve had the honor to host her.

Some of our past Mayors who have escorted many of these dignitaries have names familiar to many of you – Yerkes, Beal, Simonds, Horton, Dubuar, Hutton, Langfield, Ely, Allen and more. 

Northville, which dates back almost 200 years, first had a “President of the Community”, then a Village Mayor and finally during the 1950’s, transitioned to having a City Mayor.  Since then, there have been only 6 Mayors of the City: Ely, Allen, Vernon, Johnson, Roth and Turnbull.
 
OTHER NOTABLE VISITORS
Prince Louis Ferdinand, the crowned Prince of Prussia, spent time with friends in Northville in 1933.
Henry Ford enjoyed our town so much he brought many of his friends here according to my grandfather, including his “Vagabonds group”, comprised of best friend Thomas Edison, naturalist John Burroughs and industrialist Harvey Firestone.
Amelia Earhart and other famous flyers tested planes at our airport in the 6 Mile and Beck Road area.
Joe Louis, the World heavy weight boxing champ, trained and spent quality time in town as a Northvillian.
 
So, you can see that Northville has had its notoriety around Presidents’ Day and other civic holidays. Now it’s time to make YOUR mark...we all have 60 minutes in each hour and 24 hours in a day.  It’s how we use this time and who we spend it with that makes a difference in Life!  I challenge you to make a difference today for our community.
 
Keep that Northville Presidents’ Day Faith!