NORTHVILLIANS,

Today, I’m writing briefly about past holiday traditions. My grandparents told stories about Henry Ford (who spent his honeymoon here) and hosted Christmas square dances in the Ville. When in-town electricity hit its stride, Mr. Ford and others supported lighting up the whole town with colorful seasonal lights. Additionally, there were stories of all the bells in the churches and the fire department simultaneously “RINGING IN” Christmas and the New Year.
 
Before we look at Christmas Seasons in the Ville, let’s review some of the events that are happening today.

• Christmas in the Village (Mill Race Historical Village) – Stroll around the Mill Race Village over the Holidays and get a feel of yesteryear’s decorations, which were plentiful around Northville in the Victorian era.
   
• With the Lions’ latest winning Streak … you may want to take a look at Northville author Dennis Merlo’s book, The Loneliest Lions Fan: Sixty Years of a Fan’s Frustration.
   
• First Day Hike at Maybury State Park.  Sunday, January 1^st, 2023 – Kick off your New Year resolutions by participating in the First Day Hike, sponsored by the Friends of Maybury…LINK

NORTHVILLE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

• Many Northville traditions have occurred over the years, including annual Christmas Walks, lighted Santa Parades and tree lightings, along with Community Christmas Caroling.
   
• During the 1800’s and early 1900’s, Holiday shows at the historic Northville Opera House on Dunlap & Center were a highlight of the Christmas Season for all in southeastern Michigan.
   
• Tree lighting ceremonies have occurred since the beginning of electricity in our town. Also, Northville created a canopy of colorful lights crossing the streets that many in Michigan came to see. In recent times, tree lightings have occurred at: Mill Race Village, the Community Center, Dr. Demray’s Dental Office and Town Square …they are part of our traditions in Northville.
   
• A 1955 Northville Record article spoke about the tradition of Christmas movies being shown before the holiday break to all school children at the Marquis Theatre. Back then, the Theatre was called the P & A (Penniman & Allen) and School Superintendent Russell Amerman played Santa. The Marquis Theatre is in the midst of new renovations and these age-old holiday traditions may even return.
   
• Through the years, Santa has come to town via sleigh, motor vehicle, a bright red pickup, fire truck, train and trolley. And believe it or not, even by helicopter in 1971 (arranged by Chuck Lapham, President of the Retail Merchants Association)!
   
• Over the years, around Christmastime, we’ve seen horse & buggy rides, a Christmas trolley, Holiday Home Tours, the Holiday Greens Market, and even Candlelight Walks with luminaries lining downtown streets to guide Santa’s sleigh.  Also, the Mill Race Village team always gets into the spirit by decorating their Victorian grounds in period-based decorations.