NORTHVILLIANS,

As you all know, February 2^nd is Groundhog Day. It’s an observance but not a public holiday in the United States. Groundhogs in the area, including Woody at the Howell Nature Center, have historically been monitored during a ceremonial event that informs us if we’ll have an early end to winter.  The well-known Punxsutawney Phil in PA is among others monitored this day. Their job, as with all observed groundhogs on February 2^nd, is to predict the length of the remaining days of winter.

Groundhog Day Facts

• Groundhog Day is an offshoot of the Christian celebration of Candlemas, which is held every February 2^nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas to bring protection to homes for the rest of the winter.
• Groundhog Day weather predictions were even monitored by the military during WWII.
• The first modern Groundhog Day event was supposedly held in 1887.
• This day was made famous in Bill Murray’s movie “Groundhog Day.

• History Lecture by the Mayor (Rescheduled because of weather last week) will now take place Wednesday 2/1/23 at Mill Race Village (215 Griswold), 7:00 PM. LINK
   
• Quarterly Mayoral Town Hall Recording – See attached recording from Thursday’s 1/26 Session with Debbie Dingell (U.S Representative) LINK
   
• Snow Moon Hike @ Northville’s Maybury State Park 2/5, 7:00 PM – tours will take place on this full moon night. Meet at the Trailhead Building off Eight Mile. LINK
   
• Valentine’s Day Tea 2/15, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Northville Community Center (303 Main St.) – Celebrate love & friendship with a wonderful tea provided by Victoria’s Tea Salon who will also provide delicious sandwiches, desserts, and a harpist. LINK

Let's look back on past weather events that happened around Groundhog Day:

1898 – A blizzard came through this year that caused havoc with the town’s phone & telegraph wires. These communications were all down after heavy ice and snow touched our area. Northville was isolated from the world for about a week and had to depend on post office deliveries for updated information. Even the town clock was frozen in time (Dunlap & Center) which use to be above the Stampeddler Plus overlooking town.

1934 – Over a foot of snow hit Northville shortly after Groundhog Day, and many Ford Model “A”s (last produced in ’31) were battling the elements.

1965 – The Great Groundhog Day Snowstorm.  According to The Record, many in town maneuvered through the streets via skis. Some said it was the worst snow in years, with more than 9 inches deposited quickly in the first few hours of the storm … and it just KEPT snowing. More than 50 stranded cars were reported on 8 Mile in Northville, and over 200 folks were marooned in town. 

1974 – Northville digs out of a 19-inch blast. It was reported that it was the heaviest snow in nearly a century. Most City streets were impassable.

1978 – On Groundhog day eve, one of the most vicious ice & snowstorms hit Northville. Schools and stores were closed most of the week thanks to the 13-inch accumulation on the first day alone. Northville grocery stores sold everything on the shelves. According to The Record, Grocer John Genitti said, “I sold out of bread within minutes after opening.”

1983 – On the opposite side of the weather front on Groundhog Day, there were folks out on the “Fairways of Life.” The Record ran a story “Golfing all 12 Months.” There have been a few years that folks actually golfed locally every month. In ‘83 it was my privilege and honor to hit the Bob-O-Links with my father every month, including Groundhog Day.  Another article that year, just before Feb. 2nd, was entitled “Teed off at Winter.”  Like this year, snow was a rarity and there were more white Top Flite balls flying around on Groundhog Day than the usual snowballs.

So, as you can see, it’s been quite a mix of weather on the day meteorological predictions are made by our furry friends in and around Northville. Get ready for the announcement from PA’s Punxsutawney Phil on the duration of winter this year.

I want to thank you for helping those around town in battling through this latest storm. Keep that Northville good-neighbor faith and slow down today to check on those around you. It’s up to all of us to help other Northvillians weather the storms in life.
 
Keep that Northville Faith!  Let’s move forward together helping others!