August 7,2020 Your Source for Livonia Happenings
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In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.-Maya Angelou
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The Little Town of Gilt Edge-- Livonia's cheese factory |
Every once in a while Musings is pleased to share some of the historic research of our Livonia historian Kathy Bilger. Here is one of my favorites:
Cheese, warm and gooey, or sharp and tangy with crackers, Americans can’t do without it. Livonia loved it so much that they even named a town and a business after it. Our northwest corner of Livonia was the little town of Gilt Edge, named after the bright gold rind on the outside of the cheese. The town stretched to 7 Mile and Farmington where the little shops remain on 7 Mile. The Gilt Edge Cheese factory was located on 7 mile between Wayne and Levan behind the old farmhouse. The cheese factory is long gone but the farmhouse is still there.
The Gilt Edge Cheese factory was started by George and Penelope Kator, a Dutch family from New York. George and his son Peter were veterans of the War of 1812. Peter lied about his age to join the fight, he was 14. They left New York for cheap land in Michigan and bought land on 7 Mile near Levan including what is now Fox Creek Golf Course.
The Kator farm was 240 acres of corn, oats, and 150 sheep but only one milk cow. Neighbor Asa had 15 cows; Lapham’s had 21 cows but they were a big family. Neighbors all around sold their extra milk to Kator’s Gilt Edge cheese factory. It won the Michigan State Fair Cheese award in 1873. The Detroit Free Press pointed out Gilt Edge Cheese as a must see at the fair that year.
Grandson George Kator did even better. He received a patent for his dairy invention. US195931A was granted Oct. 9, 1877. It was a better, Better Butter Box. Try saying that 3 times fast! It consisted of wrapping around the butter and separators placed inside a box. For those who still buy sticks of butter, this is how it started. George didn’t live long enough to get rich off his butter wrapper butter box. He died in 1884 of consumption. George’s widow, Minerva, married the wealthy widower, Asa B. Smith a few months later. Asa’s house was just down the road at 7 Mile and Gil and still stands.
Asa B. Smith sold Gilt Edge cheese in his store in Northville, but he had more important business as he was vice-president of the Lapham State Bank in Northville and owned blocks of downtown Northville. Asa was also the postmaster of Gilt Edge until Frank Bradley took over in 1899.
Frank Bradley came from Canada to run the Gilt Edge Cheese Factory when Governor Warner bought it in March 1907. Warner promoted him to general superintendent of all Warner factories and started training programs so the cheese would be consistent. There were 13 in all including Power’s Station at 8 mile and Newburgh (the factory and town), downtown Farmington, Novi, Franklin, Nankin, Plymouth and even the Thumb. Frank did a great job, his skills earned blue ribbons at the Michigan State Fair year after year. Gilt Edge Cheese was now Warner cheese and on every table in the state.
The factories produced over 1,000,000 pounds of cheese in 1904, the same year Fred Warner was elected governor. Fred Warner served as governor for three terms, his cheese served as well. Cheese and crackers were popular at parties, everyone knew Warner cheese was the best. It was also food for the cartoonists who couldn’t resist a few cheesy jokes now and then. All good things must come to an end, the Warner family sold the cheese factories in 1925 and bought a bank. That is another story…
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What do you think about diversity your hometown? |
The Livonia Human Relations Commission has been asked to provide policy recommendations regarding diversity, inclusion, and racism within Livonia.
The Commission wants to hear from you! Please take two minutes to complete the survey that can be found at the link below before August 9, 2020. Sharing your experience, ideas, and vision will strengthen and guide the Commission’s work.
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City Council takes up racism |
Our Livonia City Council took up two resolutions last night dealing with racism and the well being of the Livonia community. |
Offered by Councilman Jim Jolly and seconded by Brandon McCullough, passed with a 7-0 vote:
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Livonia City Council does hereby denounce racism;
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Livonia City Council affirms its commitment and desire that all people shall feel welcome in the City of Livonia; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Livonia City Council welcomes and invites all people to take an active role in the well-being of the City of Livonia community.
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Offered by Councilman Brandon McCullough and seconded by Jim Jolly, passed with a 7-0 vote:
Resolution asking for a report and recommendation from the Mayor's about the status of our City training and policies related to diversity, equity and non-bias practices as they exist now and could exist going forward.
This information will allow city council and the mayor’s office to collaboratively continue the vital work of affirming our desire that everyone feels welcome in Livonia.
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Gov. Whitmer declares racism a public health crisis |
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday declared racism a public health crisis, ordered implicit bias training for all state employees, and created a state advisory council to focus on issues affecting Black people in Michigan.
Among other tasks, the council will identify state laws or gaps in state law that create or perpetuate inequities, and serve as a resource for community groups. Implicit bias describes prejudices that unknowingly influence thinking and reaction to events and information. Whitmer earlier ordered implicit bias training for the state's medical professionals, herself, and her executive staff.
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Help Livonia Kids and Family and can get one of the graduation banners |
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If you grew up in Livonia, you knew about Corsi’s. They were the “in” spot after football games.
In 1970, the “bar” was opened. They then hosted such performers as Soupy Sales, Casey Clark, Lost & Found, Italian Opera nights, The Gaylord’s, and many more.
In 1979 they opened their banquet center.
Their Italian menu has people driving miles to enjoy. Year after year the readers of FridayMusings votes Corsi's the Best Pizza in Livonia.
A Friday Business Smile just for our readers.
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All Summer long enjoy the culture of Livonia |
August in Livonia
8, 15, 22, 29 Wilson Barn Farmers Market
10 Education Town Hall w/ Haley Stevens
11 Summer Fun Series @ 6:30
@ Kirksey Recreation Center
13 Devin Scillian and Arizona Sun
Music from the Heart
17 2020 Golf Outing Benefitting MiWorkMatters @ Idyl Wyld Golf Course
17 & 19 School Supply Drive
@ Journey Church, 31100 Plymouth Road
20 Jupiter of Cruz
Music from the Heart
21 Summer Fun Series @ 6:30
@ Kirksey Recreation Center
22 Grab and Go Backpack and Supplies
Details coming up in Musings August 3
27 Cosmic Groove Band
Music from the Heart
30 The ARC NW 2020 Golf Outing
Fox Creek Golf Course
30 St. Baldrick's 10th Annual Shave-a-thon
September in Livonia
5, 12, 19, 26 Wilson Barn Farmers Market
12 Thomas A. Dooley Knights of Columbus Golf Classic @ Fox Hills $100 includes dinner and prizes. To sign up call John Glennon 734-968-2286 or Lou Fiorentino 248-808-3834
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Dan MacIver offers up another
Best Kept Secret of Livonia history
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Endorsements continue to line up behind candidates for the November election |
FridayMusings will continue to bring our readers endorsements of any and all candidates who either post them or send them to FridayMusings. Today we have endorsements for Congresswoman Haley Stevens whose opponent is Kerry Bentivollio and Nancy Darga whose opponent is Commissioner Terry Marecki: |
Haley Stevens is starting off two days after the primary election with a growing list of endorsements including: AFT Michigan, Brady PAC, ECU, EMILY's List, Everytown/Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, Leadership Now Project, Michigan Education Association, NARAL, NewDems Action Fund, NRDC Action Fund, Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, Women's Political Committee, Progressive Turnout Project, BEND THE ARC, Jewish Action PAC, Asian American Action Fund, Population Connection Action Fund, MI List, Clean Water Action, Indivisible Huron Valley, Michigan AFL-CIO, AFSCME PEOPLE, Tri-State Maxed Out, WomenEquality PAC, Electrical Workers Local 58, MI Bankers (not explicit endorsement, but Stevens is designated 'Friend of MI Banking') |
Nancy Darga is seeking the Wayne County position currently held by incumbent Commissioner Terry Marecki. Today she is endorsed by Brian Turnbull, Mayor of Northville.
The district Marecki represents includes Northville City and Township, most of the City of Livonia with the exception of Five Mile s to Plymouth, Middlebelt e to Inkster.
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State Representative Candidates
state the obvious and ready to move on
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Tracey Thomas Conrad Congratulations Martha! I'm so glad that you made it through the primary. Onward and upward.
Stacey Ann Congratulations!!! Proud to have known you as a Falcon!
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Charles Lewis this is a sign to work harder don't take anything for granted Vote blue.
David Naser Congratulations on your deserved win! I am Team State Representative Laurie Pohutsky!
Susan Nash (I am not the city clerk. I am the other Susan Nash) Excellent! Keep the momentum.
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Tune in if you have questions about
education and what efforts are being
done to secure federal support
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TOWN HALL: Next Monday, August 10th, at 6:30pm,Congresswoman Haley Stevens is hosting a virtual town hall to discuss the upcoming school year and efforts to secure federal support for #MI11 public schools.
Stay tuned for more details, and she looks forward to hearing your questions and concerns.
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