Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, my dad makes a journey to a farm/greenhouse in Belleville. He comes back with wreaths, and 50 or so feet of beautiful roping made of cedar and pine. He always goes by himself. He prides himself on finding hard-working people who produce excellent products or services that might not be well-known to the general public. This year, I asked him if I could join him in the venture, as we needed some extra greens for the office. It was a cold, yet clear day – the perfect “Black Friday” for some greens shopping!
I let my dad navigate by memory rather than programming my GPS, as I would normally do to get to somewhere in an area I am unfamiliar with. He pointed out landmarks to help me remember where to go in the future (though I’m not really planning to go without him). It was a windy path we took through small towns that I’d never before seen, although it only took about 20 minutes from Plymouth.
We found a driveway down which there were several greenhouses and warehouse buildings behind a house. There wasn’t a sign anywhere that I saw. I understand from my dad that they do a lot of business at the Royal Oak and Ann Arbor Farmer’s Markets. We saw a few trucks with shelves of wreaths, swags, greens and hanging kissing balls. We entered a warehouse with more of the same. Everything smelled delightful of cedar & pine, some of my favorite winter fragrances.
Bessie, who had most of my dad’s greens already to go, greeted us. She is the second-generation owner. Now even her son is involved in the business while he attends college, as well. We then entered a second greenhouse where about 5 more women were assembling wreaths. There were two family dogs – a black and a yellow lab that were happy to get some more attention from us. Dolores, the original founder of the business, greeted us and posed for a few photos. She told us how the business started. When she was pregnant with Bessie, her oldest child, she had just gotten married. As Christmas approached, she wanted to buy her husband a Christmas present with her own money but she had none, so she started the company – selling greens to farmer’s markets. And she was able to buy him a gift!
We are pleased to announce the completed sale of 9184 Currie Road in Salem Township. This historic Greek Revival home sits on 27 acres at the corner of Seven Mile Road and Currie. The setting is pastoral with gently rolling hills and orchards, and white fencing. There are 2 out buildings and the home sits well back from the main road. The home itself has hardwood floors throughout, 2 fireplaces and a newer kitchen. There’s charm and character in every detail.
Gather your family and friends and head to Downtown Northville for the annual Holiday Lighted Parade tonight at 6:30pm! More than 40 entries of vehicles and holiday-inspired floats, plus tons of walkers, will walk the town and spread holiday cheer. Following the parade, stick around for the lighting of the Town Square Christmas Tree and to see Santa!
This Saturday, September 21st the American Association of University Women Northville-Novi Branch will be putting on their annual Tour of Homes. From 10am-4pm you can visit 6 homes with construction and interior design spanning 3 centuries in and around Historic Downtown Northville. Compare classic Victorian-Era architecture to that of today’s. Each home will have representatives from the AAUW to guide you through and point out interesting facts and features. All for just $20! For more information, visit the AAUW’s site 
It’s that time of year again! The smell of barbeque smoke drifts through downtown Plymouth as the annual Fall Festival approaches. September 6-8, 2013 will be non-stop pancakes, spaghetti, and barbeque chicken (Rotary Chicken Barbeque) along with fair rides, games, concerts, car show, and attractions for everyone.
One of the more interesting contrasts you’ll find in the Plymouth and Northville area is the co-existence of prison facilities alongside lavish luxury homes. After closing several years ago, the Robert Scott Correctional Facility (AKA Women’s Prison) in Northville Township is being demolished. The work has been going on for some weeks now and the buildings are coming down one after another. No word yet on what will become of this prime real estate on the northwest corner of Beck Road and 5 Mile. I’m sure no one will miss the rows of razor wire topped fencing and concrete watch towers.