City Of Northville: History Of The Art House Building

Northville MI

16 June, 2022

5:21 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Northville: June 16, 2022 Northvillians and friends, The end of the school year in Northville signals a time to relax and have fun for most kids. In their quest, many get involved in recreation and scouting activities, along with other summer pursuits. At our household, it was a time to sign up for summer programs at the Rec/Scout Building, which is known as the Art House today. For most of the last century, local recreation activities historically occurred at Ford Field, behind the Main Street School and at the Rec/Scout building. In recent years, Northville Parks and Recreation has programs and offices at the Community Center and Hillside School. I can easily say that summers were never boring in the 1960's and early 70's because of the touchpoint of our Rec building. Today I am proud to be part of the Parks and Recreation Board learning from our history and assisting in guiding our future. Before looking at activities that happened in this building, let's take a look at what's happening in town today: Events • Northville Monthly Car Show – 2nd Saturday of the monthThis past weekend, the Ville had their monthly car show with close to 160 vehicles on display, which even included some motorcycles. I thank all who worked to make this event the success it has become since its genesis last year. Special thanks to the original stakeholders of Alexander's Custom Clothiers on Main St and to Roush Performance, along with early supporters including Northville Lumber and General RV, among others. • Arts & Acts Festival, June 17-19 – Celebrates the Arts in the Ville… Linkhttps://northvillearthouse.org... • Northville Fourth of July Parade – Monday, June 4, 10 a.m.. The route is Griswold to Main to Dunlap to Linden to Main Street to Center. And be sure to look for the fly-over. • Dancing in the Ville – Town Square, Wednesday evenings 6:30-8 p.m. Arthur Murray teachers provide lessons for a variety of dance genres (all levels). • Summer Concerts every Friday and Saturday, 7 – 8:30, Downtown • Northville Garden Walk – July 13 … Learn more here. • Northville Today – See the latest issue with many Northville area updates and some history. See link. The Northville Recreation/Scout/Art House building activities through the years 1962 – The Scout and Recreation building is dedicated and a grand opening is held. Scouting in this building• Scouting occurred in this building for most of the last century (Scouting in the U.S. started in 1910, followed by Girls Scouts in 1912). According to the Record, local scouting can be traced to a 1914 event in the Ville.• The first Northville Boy Scout Troop was established under the sponsorship of the Methodist Church. Today, the Methodist Church Men's Club still sponsors a troop. In fact, this past weekend it was my honor to present two Mayoral proclamations to our latest Eagle Scouts.• In the early 1930's, more troops in town were formed and were supported by the American Legion and the Presbyterian church along with others.• Locally, thousands of scouts have participated at this building and hundreds have achieved the top Scout awards of Eagle and the Gold Award.• Today, Northville has one of the highest percentages in the country for these honors in part because they historically had a dedicated gathering place. Recreation in this building• In the late 1960's and early 70's, I remember meeting at this building making "Plaster of Paris" statues, painting wild watercolors, having Turtle Races (which my sister seemed to win yearly), and participating in archery behind the building. There was also fencing and an ice rink in the winter. Summer mornings seemed to always start at the Rec building. Early on, my brother who is in his late 70's, recalls before the Rec building was built, around 20-25 kids would gather under a big tree behind the old Main St. Elementary School. 1964 – The Northville Senior Citizen Club started meeting here.1967 – Girl Scouts started overnight camping in the back area of the Scout Building.1969 – Northville Day Care Co-op started meeting in the building.1989 – The Record mentioned that the following groups made use of the building: Northville Youth Network, Senior Citizens, Scouts, Friends of the Library and Civic Concern, among many others.2004 - The Art House was established at the building.2020 - The Art House became a separate entity, a nonprofit, with city support. As you stroll the Ville, I encourage you to slow down and stop by the Art House (215 W. Cady St.) and envision all the activities, organizations and youth that have been part of initiatives at this historic structure and grounds over the past 60 years. Thank you to those who share their time and talents for the benefit of the Art House in our community. Keep that Northville Faith! Stay #NorthvilleStrong!Brian TurnbullMayor – [email protected] / 248.505.6849 This press release was produced by the City of Northville. The views expressed here are the author's own.