Over the years, presidents, governors and other notable figures have visited our pleasant “Hamlet in the Hills”, making their mark on our community. In fact, in July, we saw some presidential excitement come to town when President Biden arrived in Northville with his motorcade.

Let’s look at previous historic visits by special dignitaries according to The Northville Record…


PRESIDENTIAL happenings

1992 – President George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States (1989-1993) and First Lady Barbara Bush brought their campaign train to Northville through Cabbagetown. They pushed on through Bealtown, greeting countless citizens who witnessed this historic event.


GOVERNORS in Town –
Numerous Michigan governors have come to town.

1904 – Gov. Warner (1905-1910) visited Northville routinely and lived nearby 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.

1932 – Gov. Brucker (1931-1932) spent time in Northville kicking off our Wayne County Fair (which was then even larger than the Michigan State Fair).

1950 – Governor (Soapy) Williams (1949-1960) opened up the Northville Downs racing season, in which the world champion mare Onolee Hanover was entered in the Governor’s Trot race. Also in 1950, the governor spoke at our Ford Field, and he dedicated the Northville State Hospital on Seven Mile (now Legacy Park).

1962 – Gov. Romney (1963-1969). Mitt Romney’s father (George), the former chairman of American Motors, launched his campaign for governor in Northville.

1982 – Gov. Bill Milliken (1969-1982) spent time in our city and always had a Northville flag on his desk in Lansing (given to him during his first visit here).

1998 – Gov. Engler (1991-2002) signed legislation here while visiting the city of Northville before stopping at our historic Parmenter’s cider mill.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm (2003-2010) 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. Snyder conducted a town hall meeting in Northville.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer (2019 -) has been to town on many occasions, and I’ve had the honor to host her.


OTHER NOTABLE VISITORS…

Prince Louis Ferdinand, the crowned Prince of Prussia, spent time in Northville in the 1930s.

Henry Ford spent his honeymoon here in the 1880s and later brought many of his friends to town, including his “Vagabonds Group” comprised of best friend Thomas Edison, naturalist John Burroughs and industrialist Harvey Firestone.

Eddie Stinson built planes here and Amelia Earhart (I’m told) tested planes at our airport at Six Mile and Beck.

Joe Louis, the world heavyweight boxing champ, trained and spent quality time in town.

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

Bob Seger played at The Cavern in 1967 and 1968 at the Northville Community Center.


We all have 60 minutes in each hour and 24 hours in a day. It’s how we use this time and where we spend it 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 “Hamlet in the Hills” or “Switzerland of Wayne County” Faith!