Ah, Presidents’ Day. That mid-February Monday when we get a much-needed long weekend, and maybe—just maybe—pause to think about the folks who’ve occupied the Oval Office. But let’s be honest, Northville: how much do we really know about this holiday beyond the mattress sales? Let’s dig into the quirks, history, and fun facts that make Presidents’ Day more than just a day off.
Wait, What Are We Celebrating Again?
Officially, the federal government still calls it Washington’s Birthday. Yep, George Washington—the guy on the dollar bill and the cherry tree legend (which, by the way, is a total myth). The holiday was established in 1885 to honor his February 22 birthday. But thanks to Congress and its love for three-day weekends, the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday in February. This year, that’s February 17.
Over time, Presidents’ Day has morphed into a broader celebration of all U.S. presidents—yes, even the ones you forgot existed (looking at you, Millard Fillmore). The idea was to include Abraham Lincoln too, whose birthday is February 12. However, Congress never officially renamed it “Presidents’ Day,” so technically, it’s still George’s party.
Northville’s Presidential Connection? Well…
Okay, so Northville doesn’t have a direct link to any U.S. president. No presidential birthplaces or historic speeches happened here. But don’t let that stop you from joining in the festivities! After all, Michigan has its own claim to fame with Gerald R. Ford—our only president who was never elected as either VP or president. Fun fact: Ford once worked as a park ranger at Yellowstone National Park before heading into politics. Talk about multitasking.
Presidential Parks: A Road Trip Idea
If you’re itching for an adventure this Presidents’ Day weekend, consider visiting one of the many national parks tied to our past leaders. Did you know Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as America’s first national park? Or that Theodore Roosevelt has more parks named after him than any other president? (Lincoln comes in second.) While Michigan doesn’t boast a presidential park of its own, road-tripping to nearby states could make for a memorable weekend.
For history buffs willing to drive a bit farther, Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky, is a National Historical Park worth exploring. Or head east to Virginia and visit Washington’s birthplace—a national monument that offers a glimpse into his early life.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
- Gerald R. Ford isn’t just Michigan’s presidential pride; he also is the only president born in Nebraska.
- Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer before stepping into politics. It doesn’t get more down-to-earth than that.
- Want some trivia for your Presidents’ Day dinner table? There are 35 parks named after U.S. presidents across the country—and one park that honors four presidents but is named after a New York attorney (figure that one out).
What’s Open and Closed?
Before you head out on February 17 expecting business as usual, here’s what you need to know:
- Closed: Federal offices (including post offices), banks, and most schools.
- Open: Retail stores (hello, holiday sales!), grocery stores, and some local businesses.
So, if you plan on mailing that Valentine’s card late or hitting up your bank for some cash—don’t.
How About Celebrating Locally?
Why not embrace some low-key patriotism for those staying put in Northville this Presidents’ Day weekend? Visit Mill Race Village for a dose of local history or stroll downtown while imagining what life was like when Washington crossed the Delaware or Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
Feeling creative? Host a trivia night with friends featuring quirky presidential facts. Who was the shortest president? (James Madison at 5’4″.) Which president had a pet alligator? (John Quincy Adams.) And which one loved skinny-dipping in the Potomac River? (Also Adams—clearly an interesting guy.)
Or simply use the day as an excuse to teach your kids about leadership and resilience by reading books about Washington chopping down imaginary cherry trees or Lincoln splitting logs like a pro. Presidents’ Day might not come with fireworks or turkey dinners, but it’s still worth celebrating—even here in Northville, where our most presidential moment might be debating which local coffee shop has the best latte.
So enjoy your long weekend and take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come since George Washington refused to be king and instead became “Mr. President.”
Sources: britannica.com, nationalparks.org, livemint.com
Header Image Source: René DeAnda on Unsplash
