Northville in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mill Race Historical Village

Photographed By Joel S., August 25, 2013

1. Mill Race Historical Village marker

Inscription. In 1827, John Miller built a grist mill on this site. The structure was replaced by the Northville Mills in 1847. In 1919 mill owner Donald P. Yerkes sold the site to Henry Ford who razed the structure and built a valve factory across Griswold Street one year later. The factory was one of Ford's village industries, a group of rural plants that manufactured small automotive parts. The Ford Motor Company donated the land to the city of Northville in 1972 for use as a historical village.

The Mill Race Historical Village was established in 1972 as a site for relocating buildings faced with demolition. That year the city of Northville donated the New School Church to the Northville Historical Society and it was the first structure moved to this site. The society's focus has been the preservation and display of architectural styles and furnishings of the nineteenth century. The Gazebo and Hirsch Blacksmith Shop are reproduction buildings.

Erected 1989 by Bureau of History, MIchigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1427.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.

Location. 42° 25.998′

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N, 83° 28.775′ W. Marker is in Northville, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker can be reached from Griswold Street, 0.1 miles north of East Main Street/Northville Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is in the "village green" behind the General Store. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 215 Griswold St, Northville MI 48167, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Weavers Cottage (a few steps from this marker); New School Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Wash Oak School (within shouting distance of this marker); J.M. Mead General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Hunter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hirsch Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Cady Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gazebo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northville.

Also see . . .
1. Mill Race Village. (Submitted on August 30, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Henry Ford's village industries. (Submitted on August 30, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
3. Ford valve plant. (Submitted on August 30, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Photographed By Joel S., August 25, 2013

2. Mill Race Historical Village Marker

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 10, 2021

3. Mill Race Historical Village Marker

Mill Race Historical Village - school & church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel S., August 25, 2013

4. Mill Race Historical Village - school & church

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 561 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on May 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on August 30, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.