The summer has now wound down and the Labor Day Holiday is upon us… just as we concluded a truly outstanding weekend in town with concerts, gatherings and fellowship. In this issue I will touch base on Labor Day celebrations through the years in our “Hamlet in the Hills” or “Switzerland of Wayne County” that Northville was historically called.
LABOR DAY, as you know, pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American Workers, and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer, and many celebrate the beginning of fall with social gatherings, including family BBQ’s, parades and other festivities.
Traditionally, athletic events also take place over this weekend, ESPECIALLY football games … Go Mustangs! on Thursday vs. Lake Orion @ Wayne State, Go Green! (MSU vs. Western) Friday Night and Go Blue! (Michigan vs. New Mexico) Saturday.
In 1886, legislation was officially passed making Labor Day a State Holiday in Oregon, and the rest is history. In 1887, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and the state of New York also passed laws creating an official Labor Day holiday.
The holiday became a federally celebrated event in 1894, commemorated by a Labor Day parade in New York City, which followed celebrations dating back to the 1880’s there.
Before looking at Labor Day activities this week, let’s see today’s happenings:
- Victorian Clothing Sale at Mill Race Village – 9/4 and 9/5, 12-5pm, $2.00 admission supports the Historical Society Link
- Declan Carter Victory Run – Saturday, 9/6 – Inaugural downtown event benefits the Declan Carter Foundation / Ford Field playground and OLV Athletics. Link
- Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Chamber/DDA Link, Marquis Link, Northville Winery Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link, Tipping Point Theatre Link
- Northville Cars & Coffee – Saturday, 9/13, 8-10am. Established in 2019 by Alexander’s Custom Clothiers and the Mayor, across from Custard Time. (550 W. 7 Mile)
- Old Timers Lunch – Tuesday, 9/30 at Genitti’s, 11am arrival/11:30 lunch – $15 per person, call 248.349.0522 for tickets
- Victorian Festival – 9/19 – 9/21 Link
- Parmenter’s Cider Mill now open daily 10AM – 8PM! Link
TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Cemetery Restoration Mtg – 9/8, 7:00 PM City Hall (David Marold – Chair)
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 9/18, 7:00 PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair)
INFO FOR CITIZENS …
Projects Around Town
- Ford Field – Phase I:Experience the Waterfall. Phase II: DTE infrastructure completing, and the vista location foundation work has begun on this new placemaking area, a great place to watch the sunrise over the park. New playscape plans were presented at a public gathering, and bathrooms are planned for 2026.
- Riverwalk – The River is flowing at 100% above ground at the Downs. Hundreds of hardwood trees were placed this week, bridge abutments built, rocks & timbers placed in the riverbanks and native plantings are taking place (for erosion avoidance).
- Downs Initiative – Infrastructure continues ... Sales offices being readied, Wayne County Roundabout on Sheldon/7 Mile construction began. Move-ins (12) start in September. The children of families in town houses on 7/Sheldon were signed up for Northville Schools this week.
- Farmers’ Market – This City & Township gathering place (7 Mile/Northville Rd) continues to host many activities. (Two more months of Farmers’ Markets)
- Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Link
Let’s look back at ways Northvillians have spent Labor Day over the years …
1895 – Labor Day train excursions left the Northville Train station (by the historic well on Northville Road) to visit Belle Isle. According to The Northville Record, the whole trip cost just 50 cents (round trip).
1910 – Horse races, ball games, & music by the Northville City Band in the crow’s nest (intersection Main/Center) entertained record numbers of spectators, according to The Record.
1949 – The VFW sponsored Labor Day games, events, and music for the community.
1955 – The Northville Eagles supported festivities and organized the parade, which was led by state & local officials, with speeches at Ford Field. A community picnic was held at Cass Benton Park.
1957 – Professional Motorcycle racing took place over the Labor Day weekend at Northville Downs following a NASCAR stock car race earlier that summer on July 4th.
1985 – Labor Day baseball tournaments continued the local Northville tradition. I even played in a few of them over the years (when I was younger and Dinosaurs roamed the earth - Ha!)
1995 – A big-top circus dazzled and delighted the community (complete with Elephants).
Relax and enjoy your Labor Day holiday as we ready for the fall season and the new school year (which we will talk about next week). Have a BBQ, connect with family & friends and remember the holiday’s true meaning – to celebrate the hard work, determination, and sacrifices of our AMERICAN WORKERS.
Keep that Northville Labor Day Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849