NORTHVILLIANS,

It was great to see many Northvillians at the Concours d ’Elegance car show held at Mill Race Village this past weekend, entitled “Race to the Mill.” This has the potential to be an annual gathering where the finest cars in the state are placed and judged at our beloved Mill Race grounds. It was a tremendous backdrop for classic Jaguars, Shelby Cobras, Corvettes, Packards, Morgans and many other collectable automobiles from our past. Mark it on your calendar for next year.

This week I wanted to touch on one of the families who have been a cornerstone to our community. Their legacy has been brought to light with the passing of a matriarch Betty Allen, wife of former mayor Mike Allen. The family name is on our senior living center – Allen Terrace – and they’re recognized on one of our streets, “Allen.” With the passing of Betty Allen, it’s appropriate to reflect on her legacy as well as that of her family.

Before we explore this Historic Family in the Ville, let’s take a look at what’s going on today:

Events

• Dancing in the Ville – Town Square, Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:00 PM. Arthur Murray teachers provide lessons for a variety of dance genres (all levels).
   
• Summer Concerts every Friday & Saturday at 7:00 PM – Downtown
   
• Eclipse Base Ball Game – Sunday, 7/24 at 2pm at Ford Field (151 Griswold). The home team plays a vintage game against the Woodstock Actives from Ontario, weather permitting. Link for info.
   
• Mill Race Village – Open Summer Sundays (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM), 215 Griswold St.
   
• Farmers Market – Take in Northville’s Award-Winning Market, Thursdays (7/Sheldon)
   
• Music at Maybury Mondays 7:00 PM – Enjoy these concerts in July & August

Now let's take a look at a historic family and an individual that has done so very much for our community...

• The Allen Family has been a generational one, and they have done so very much for this community over the past century…this all comes to light with Betty Allen’s passing this past week.
   
• The Family has given back through Mike as Mayor, his son Jim as Fire Chief and Scott as a first responder, Shari as part of the City Administration Team and others in the family working hand-in-hand for this town we love.
   
• Mike Allen, later in life after his first wife passed, married Betty Snow as she was known growing up. Betty Allen was a lifelong resident of the City of Northville, the daughter of Dr. L. W. Snow, a prominent Northville physician. She attended Northville Public Schools and served as Treasurer of her Senior Class of 1945.

• Betty and her husband (former long-time Mayor A. Malcolm “Mike” Allen), owned Allen Monument Works (Inch Monuments today on Northville Road), the second largest monument business in Michigan at one time. Three generations of the family guided this business in town. The Allens faithfully served numerous years on Rotary and the Masons, along with other civic and charitable organizations.
   
• Betty was extremely active civically, serving as an election chairperson and a co-chair for Girls State. She generously volunteered her time as a Brownie leader, was an Advisor on the Board of Women for United Way, raised funds for the March of Dimes and was a member of the Mothers’ Club and Woman’s Club. She served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in the funding and construction of the Chamber Office in 1982, still in use today.
   
• Mrs. Allen was a long-time faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, and she gave her time and talents through this organization and others, contributing greatly to Northville through her service to its residents. Without question, she provided an inspirational example of volunteerism.
   
• As Mayor of the City of Northville, it was my privilege to proclaim September 14, 2021 as Betty Allen Day in Northville, with Betty being honored at this ceremony at the Old Timers’ luncheon at Genitti’s where she received the proclamation.

Let’s slow down to remember the Allen Family and all they have done for our “Hamlet in the Hills” and especially for Betty Allen, whose Celebration of Life this week will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM, Friday, 7/22 for visitation, followed by a Noon ceremony.

There have been many families over the years that have given back much to our community, and the Allen Family is definitely part of this honored group. This City is truly appreciative of all they have done. As I have said on many occasions, we are all standing on the shoulders of those that came before us, and the Allen’s are one of those legacy families that will be remembered in this way. Take time to appreciate those seniors in your life…listen to their stories on how they navigated their journey which is so entwined with the fabric of our history.

Keep that Northville historic faith and remember, it’s up to us to Learn, Do and Giveback on life’s journey. Start building your own legacy of giving back, for the benefit of today and the next generation!