Westfield's 175th Birthday
Noblesville Times Article - May 15, 2009Westfield celebrates 175th birthday
By Steven Furlow
Staff Writer
The community of Westfield turned out Friday for a pitch-in to celebrate the 175th birthday of the town/city. The demisemiseptcentennial event brought together city officials, public safety members and citizens who took advantage of the beautiful weather to visit, eat hot dogs and munch from a buffet several tables long. Music was provided by Mike Haemmerle, with the Westfield Street Department and Brian Wanous who performed a variety of rock songs making the vent feel like a family get together. Getting the community in one place to celebrate has been a goal of Westfield officials and the space on Main Street where the Farmers Market, opening June 5, is fast becoming that area. The celebration encompassed three events, the birthday celebration, municipal government week and the efforts of Westfield in Bloom and the Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association to beautify Westfield's downtown. Westfield in Bloom volunteers spent much of Friday morning planting more than 1,000 flowers, donated by Heartland Growers, around town in beds and planters. "We've been working hard to create a community," Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said at the event. "We have a downtown plan but it only works with the support of the community. We draw heavy on the public/private relationship." Cook said drawing people to a central area downtown to gather is gaining momentum and was pleased with the more than 100 who attended Friday's event at one time or another. "It's about developing spirit, we're getting there little by little," he said. "There's pride in the community."
Much in Westfield has changed since its inception May 6, 1834, but much remains the same when it comes to building on the heritage and history of the area. "It starts with a strong municipal government," Cook said. "You can't forget where it all began; you can never forget your heritage and history. It's very important only if we build on it. We have opportunities." Jim Peyton, vice-president of the Westfield Washington Historical Society, shared a brief history of Westfield's founding and move to present day expressing in the time he's been a resident progress has been made. "I've lived here 50 years, and I've never seen it looking better than it does now," he said. More information on Westfield's history can be found at the Westfield Washington Historical Society, 145 S. Union St. in Westfield and on line at www.wwhs.us. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment, there is no admission charge, but donations are accepted.
