Page 4 - NV2024

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History from page 3

whose tribute to the struggles of the
pioneers “held the audience spell-
bound. “The oration was followed by
toasts, and responses to the same from
a number of gentlemen present,” the
newspaper reported. Also present at
the celebration was Robert
McFarland who was “believed to be
the oldest first settler now living.”
Speeches may have been the main
attraction in 1876 but the crowd was
also treated to a performance from
the Northville Cornet Band which
“enlivened” the celebration.
Bands will also enliven the parade
this year, chamber organizers said,
along with floats, autos and the tradi- have installed their chairs and blan- to view what has been called “the
tional marchers the crowd of specta- kets along the parade route the night greatest small-town 4th of July parade
tors has come to expect. Many viewers before to be sure to have a prime spot in Southeast Michigan.”