FeedsLiving history
Mill Race Village offers special Sunday programs
Staff Writer
History will come alive at Mill Race Village in Northville every Sunday from June 8- Oct. 18.
Loom weavers, basket makers and the resident blacksmith will demonstrate their crafts for onlookers, while historical docents walk visitors through a Northville that used to be from 1 until 4 every Sunday afternoon.
“The demonstrators are the hot ticket,” Northville Historical Society member Juliet Culp said. “Especially the blacksmith. Everyone loves the blacksmith. Watching him work, with the fire and the bellows, it’s very mesmerizing. The Yerkes house is also very popular. It has a gorgeous carved staircase and the whole wall curves with it. It’s very unique.”
Culp said that crowds for the Victorian village vary, although opening day, closing day and special events generally draw more visitors.
“On typical Sundays sometimes it will be really slow and we’ll only get 10-20 people,” Culp said. “Then other Sundays we’ll have 50-100, with a lot of people picnicking on the grounds and lots of families. Of course, our first Sunday and last Sunday are always really busy. And, of course, any specialty events.”
Docent Chair Judy Davis said that the historical docents are also popular, especially since some of them can boast more than a decade of experience recreating the 19th century. That shouldn’t deter history guide hopefuls, Davis said, as new docents are always welcome.
“We have docents from age 10 to almost 90,” Davis said. “My co-chair, Lucy Curtis, has been a docent for the past 20 years. We’re always looking for more docents, though. Some of my docents started out following a script, that gives the history of each house or building, and what took place at different times. You can volunteer for as many Sundays as you want. I love it.”
Culp said that the demonstrators are more than willing to share their knowledge as well, and their goods can be purchased at the on-site country store, in addition to some more eclectic odds and ends.
“That’s what they’re there for, to demonstrate the crafts,” Culp said. “They generally give a little speech explaining what they’re doing, and then answer any questions people have. You can purchase some of their items in the country store, which has a hodgepodge of things, like old-fashioned candies and plastic snakes. Lately those plastic snakes have been really popular with the boys. You wouldn’t necessarily think it, but they love them.
“It’s easiest to think of Mill Race as a living museum. People love it. It’s a lot of fun.”
For more information, call (248) 348- 1845. Those interested in volunteering as a docent can contact Davis at (248) 347- 4871.
