NORTHVILLIANS,

As Father’s Day (June 15^th) approaches this weekend, I would like to slow down and reflect on activities in Northville over the years surrounding this day.

First, let’s take a look at the history of FATHER’S DAY …

• Father’s Day dates back to 1906 when a church in West Virginia held a service to honor 362menwho had been killed the previous year in a coal mining explosion.
• A few years later, there was an extremely large Father’s Day community celebration at a ceremony on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington for all fathers.
• Following that highly publicized event, a growing movement began in America to celebrate Father’s Day each June. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson officially recognized the observance of Father’s Day nationally.

Let's see what's going on today before looking at Father's Day activities:

• Northville’s Gigantic Garage Sale – 6/9 - 6/13, 9AM - 9PM, 218 Dunlap. This annual sale, now in its 26^th year, benefits the Northville Historical Society and the Dr. Karl Stockhausen Medical Scholarship. Link
• Cars and Coffee - Saturday, 6/14, 8-11 AM (Established in 2019 by Alexander’s Custom Clothiers & the Mayor) New location: The Farmers’ Market site, Northville Road & 7 Mile (550 7 Mile, 48167) ... Bring a car, yourself, a friend.
• Quarterly Mayoral Town Hall / State of the Community for all – 6/24, 7:00 PM @ Genitti’s – 108 E. Main (Updates on the initiatives in the City)
• Upcoming Music/Concerts – Chamber/DDA Link, Maybury Link, Marquis Link, Northville Winery Link, NOMI Link

INFO FOR CITIZENS...
PROJECTS AROUND TOWN

• Ford Field – Phase I: Check out the new waterfall area at Serenity Point. Phase II (Summer) Vista overlook, fencing, staircase upgrades, ADA entrance – a new playscape. Phase III (2026) – Bathroom construction.
• Riverwalk – Riverbed continues to progress at the Downs … 700 trees have been delivered of the 1100 for the River Park, boulevards, entry ways & the new City Park.
• Downs Initiative – Construction progressing (Infrastructure/Townhomes/Apartments)
• Farmers’ Market – New location up and running (550 7 Mile), open Thursdays 8-2pm
• Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Link

Let's takea look at Historic Northville Father's Day Activities:

Through the years, many Father’s Day activities and traditions have been celebrated in Northville. In our household, it historically was a day when my son and I spent time together going to the “Pilgrimage of Speed” known as the NASCAR Stock Car races at Michigan International Speedway. My father took me to the very first races there in the late 1960’s.

Historic Father’s Days in Northville:
1944 –A salute to Father’s Day included an ad in The Northville Record suggesting buying War bonds for Dad’s special day.
1946 –The paper spoke about OLV’s annual breakfast for Father’s Day, where they gave out awards for the oldest and the youngest father in attendance, and also for the one who had the most children. This tradition continued for most of the last century.
1964 –Northville Drug Company advertised gifts for fathers, including pipes, cigars, and other items and even offered free delivery.
1968 –The electric razor was all the craze at Northville Gunsell Drug store, with their ad stating, “Make dad glad on Father’s Day with a Sunbeam or Norelco electric shaver.”
Also, in 1968 –A fashion show for Father’s Day gifts was offered by local retailers and was staged around the brand-new pool at Kings Mill … the public was invited to this festive event.
1974 –There was an article published in The Record with the headline, “Like father like son.” It stated, “Every good tree maketh good fruit.” This 14^thcentury saying is still a truism today.
1977 –Good Time Party Store ran their traditional Father’s Day Lobster with a Bottle of Wine promotion, inviting folks to pick out a live lobster from their tank for Father’s Day.
1983 –There was a Father’s Day celebration at Guernsey’s where rides were offered on an old-fashioned horse-drawn Guernsey Milk Wagon pulled by Belgian show horses.
1996 –Bueter’s outdoor store spoke about fly fishing gifts for dad – “Tie one on with your dad this Father’s Day. ”Fly fishing lessons and trips were available!
So, let’s slow down and celebrate Father’s Day weekend, and keep our fathers top of mind on this special day of celebration.

Keep that Northville Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville