As summer winds down, I am going to share some activities that build on our rivers in Northville. Many of us swam in the heat of summers at favorite places in the Ville, including the gravel pits with topography that glaciers carved out.
The summer has been an outstanding one, and many Northvillians are taking refuge by going Up North or recreating at local swimming spots, including the Northville Swim Club (since the 1960’s), Meadowbrook Golf Course, and other pools in the area. Early local history, dating back to the 1870’s tells us that the historic Northville Fish Hatchery on 7 Mile provided a spot for swimming in one of their 13 ponds.
Additionally, there was a small pond, still in the back of Rural Hill Cemetery, where many of the local adventurous boys (including my father) swam in the early 1900’s. After WWII until the 1960’s, there was even a county splash park/wading area across from Custard Time in Cass Benton Park.
Our town is the headwaters of the Rouge River, with three tributaries converging in the Ville (Johnson Creek, Randolph Drain and the Rouge system). We also have the only natural lake in Wayne County, Curtis Lake, referred to sometimes as Silver Springs Lake or Yerkes Lake. And we are the highest point in the county, so all the water runs down to the Detroit River.
In the four historic sections of town, opportunities to cool down were abundant.
Orchard Heights
• Early on, beginning in the 1870’s, locals went to the swimming pond at Northville Fish Hatchery.
• The small pond behind Rural Hill Cemetery (still there) was a favorite for local boys, who swam there until the WWII era.
• At the end of Eaton Drive at Seven Mile, there was a pond where Joe Denton Park is today. This spring-fed pond was connected to the city’s water supply.
Cabbage Town
• Locals would cool down in the Mill Pond created by the dammed-up Rouge River, which previously fed the waterworks of the area mills.
• Many folks had homes on the banks of the Rouge River that runs through Cabbage Town to keep cool in the summers and for the relaxation of the running water. Lake Success on Griswold (a remnant of the gravel pit days) was also a frequent stop for swimmers.
Beal Town
• I traversed this section in waders for last week’s update on the rivers. The Rouge River also runs through the Beal Town area, coming in by the Wagon Wheel Lounge. Last century, the river through the Northville Downs area was detoured underground to provide more land for the Wayne County Fair and the Downs.
• In fact, and exceptionally good news, we just signed a committed grant agreement with Wayne County for $2.5 million last week to assist in daylighting this section of the river.
• The Johnson Creek connects to the Rouge close to Custard Time and the Good Time Party Store. After WWII, Wayne County built a form of splash park as you enter the parkway across from Custard Time. When I was a kid, there were still remnants of the concrete wading pools with large sprinklers.
Historic District
• The Randolph Drain winds its way from Oakland County through this historic area and becomes quite a creek in heavy rain. In the early 1960’s, at the edge of the Historic District (8 Mile and Randolph), the Northville Swim Club took shape. Our family were charter members, and I have fond memories of cooling off there.
• Right next door to the Swim Club at the old High School (Hillside School grounds), a modern indoor pool was built in the late 1960’s, which offered open times to the public.
Glacier pits
Northvillians early on would cool down at nearby gravel pits. Thousands of years ago, the glaciers “slowed down” ever so slightly edging their way through Northville, leaving gravel deposits. Once dug out, these large craters would fill with spring water. I remember hearing stories from my father and grandfathers about swimming in what is now known as Blue Heron Pointe and Highland Lakes.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and consider slowing down and cooling off by walking close to our flowing waterways at the Fish Hatchery Park, Ford Field, Mill Race Village and Hines Drive.
Keep that Northville summer faith and enjoy the rivers that run through our town!
Mark your calendars for the Annual Old Timers history lunch gathering on Sept. 20, Genitti’s – 108 E. Main, 11 a.m. gathering, 11:30 lunch, noon – History presentation and Senior of the Year announcement.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up