NORTHVILLIANS,

Presidents’ Day 2023 – Last week we had 60-degree days almost setting records, and very soon, we’ll probably have snow again.  You know winter is starting to wind down when we make it to Presidents’ Day. This year, that will be Monday, February 20.  Over the years, we’ve had presidents, governors and many other dignitaries visit Northville around Presidents’ Day and for other civic occasions.  Notably, George H. W. Bush, our 41^st  president (’89 - ’93), came through via train with wife Barbara who was previously involved in 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 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. He was also an integral part of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. This day historically honored President Lincoln, too.
• Washington’s birthday was celebrated from 1879-1971, and then Presidents’ Day after that.

• Snowmen sculptures on display in downtown Northville through the winter…enjoy!
   
• Punxsutawney Phil in PA – the legendary groundhog weather watcher has a relative not too far away in Howell, Michigan, named Woody the Woodchuck. HE says spring will come early this year. Keep that Sunshine faith!
   
• History Lecture - First Settlers: Early Native American Tribes in Michigan – Wednesday, February 22^nd, 7 PM, Mill Race Village. Joe Oldenburg presents on the Ottawa, Chippewa, Potawatomi, and the Hurons in our area in the 1600s. LINK
   
• Chili’in the Ville – Saturday, February 25^th, 1-5 PM, Downtown Northville. The City & Township Fire Departments, along with a plethora of restaurants, will face off in a Heated chili cooking competition. Ice Sculptures will be on display, along with the availability of chili samplings…Come enjoy the festivities.  LINK

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

The following activities are chronicled in The Northville Record (oldest weekly newspaper in the Metro area dating back to 1869):

• In 1992, President George H. W. Bush (1989-1993) & First Lady Barbara Bush slowed down their campaign train as they came through Northville’s Cabbage Town 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 Beal Town, greeting countless citizens who were there to witness this historic event.
   
• 1934 – Albert Kohler, a Northville native, had a part in decorating a record-setting cake for President Roosevelt. The 250-pound birthday cake was sent to the White House in Washington D.C. for the celebration. 

• 1904 – Gov. Fred Warner (1905-1910) visited Northville routinely and lived close by in Farmington. He owned the 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 (serving three terms). 
   
• 1932 – Gov. Brucker (1931-1932) spent time in Northville kicking off our County Fair (which was even larger than the State Fair). 
   
• 1950 – Governor (Soapy) G. Mennen Williams (1949-1960) opened up the Northville Downs racing season, entering world champion mare Onoleee Hanover in the Governor’s Trot race.  Also in 1950, the Governor spoke at Ford Field, and he dedicated the Northville State Hospital on Seven Mile (now Legacy Park). 
   
• 1962 – Gov. Romney (’63-’69) – Mitt Romney’s father (George), the former Chairman of American Motors, launched his campaign for governor in Northville.
   
• 1982 – Gov. Bill Milliken (’69-’82) spent time in our city and always had a Northville flag on his desk in Lansing (given to him during his first visit here). He dedicated our Main Street renovation program in the early 1980’s.
   
• 1998 – Gov. Engler (’91-’02) signed legislation while visiting the City of Northville in the fall of this year before stopping at our historic Parmenter’s cider mill.
   
• Gov. Jennifer Granholm (’03-’10) lived here as a Northvillian, spending a great deal of time in the Ville. She is presently the U.S. Secretary of Energy.
   
• 2012 – Gov. Rick Snyder took questions from local residents in a town hall.
   
• Governor Gretchen Whitmer (2019 -) has been to town on many occasions, and I’ve had the honor to host her.

Northville, which dates back 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: 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 the 1930’s.

Henry Ford enjoyed our town so much after his honeymoon here in the 1880’s that he brought many of his friends here, including his “Vagabonds Group” comprised of best friend Thomas Edison, naturalist John Burroughs and industrialist Harvey Firestone.

Amelia Earhart, Eddie Stinson (who built planes here) and other famous flyers tested planes at our airport (located at 6 Mile & Beck) according to our locals “in the know”.

Joe Louis, the World heavyweight boxing champ, trained and spent quality time in town as a Northvillian.

John Dillinger … supposedly broke into the hardware store where Baby-Baby is today.

Bob Seger – Played at The Cavern in ’67 & ’68 at the Northville Community Center on Main Street next to the Old Village School, located in the historic area we call School Square.

As you can see, Presidents, Governors and other notables in society have visited our Hamlet in the Hills many times over the years, making their mark on our community. 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 share it with that makes a difference in Life!  I challenge you to make a difference for our community, and perhaps we will be talking about you someday.
 
Keep that Northville Presidents’ Day Faith!