Westfield Announcements

Westfield, NJ - The Westfield Historical Society has been aggressively working on the historic Reeve House project located at 314 Mountain Avenue. In the last several months, work such as asbestos abatement, mold remediation, removal of oil tanks, soil remediation, and roof repairs have taken place in addition to the exterior carpentry and painting work. Several contractors have participated in the project and some have provided generous in-kind donations including: Star Painting, TMG Engineering, Sherwin-Williams, Gemini Electric, Atlas, Paul Davis Restoration, Oil Tank Services, Vincent Perry, Bartlett Tree Service, and others. Most recently, the enclosed side porch from the 1930's was removed to restore the original wraparound porch which was built with the house in 1875. After soliciting several competitive bids, Regal Restoration of Westfield was awarded the work for the porch and Thomas DiGiorgio, Westfield Architect is overseeing the work. According to Karrie Hanson, Chair of the Building Design Committee "Restoring the porch to its original state is significant because not only does it demonstrate our commitment to historic preservation, but it engages our imagination. 'Meet me at the Reeve House, Meet me on the porch' has become our slogan to energize the membership and future members for all the possibilities that will begin on the porch. We are imagining a plethora of new programs, walking tours, engagement of Westfield students and leaders of its important history and more." The Westfield Historical Society successfully obtained a listing for the Reeve Property on the National Register of Historic Places in July 2005. Through the research, it was determined some of the important inhabitants of the property include: Brig. General John Myrick who was raised on the property from 1841 to 1855; William Stitt, the proprietor of the Westfield Hotel who owned and lived on the property from 1872 to 1898; and William Edgar Reeve, a prominent figure in the history of Westfield who purchased the property in 1906 and lived there until his death in 1962; and, subsequently his son Edgar Reeve, who occupied the house until his death in Dec. 2001. The Reeve House was deeded to the Town of Westfield in 1985 from Ralph and Edgar Reeve, the only descendents of the Reeve family. The deed was contingent upon the agreement that Edgar Reeve would live the rest of his life in the house and that the Town would have to use the property for only charitable, municipal or other public non-profit purposes. It is clear from the will of Edgar Reeve and other correspondence that he wanted the Westfield Historical Society to have use of the property and to realize his vision for a museum and resource center. The fundraising campaign is underway for the rehabilitation and restoration of an Italianate-style 1875 residence and an addition of an archives building on 1.62 acres adjacent to Mindowaskin Park, a crown jewel in Westfield, NJ. The Reeve property will become a new history and cultural center for the community and be a permanent home for the Westfield Historical Society museum and extensive collection of archives. An addition of a carriage house linked to the original house is being planned for handicapped accessibility and humidity and temperature controlled environment for the more delicate archives. A link to the gardens of the house with Mindowaskin Park is also being contemplated. Founded in 1968, the Westfield Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The mission of the Westfield Historical Society is to preserve, interpret and encourage interest in history, Westfield, and its residents through educational efforts and community outreach programs. Since its formation, the Westfield Historical Society has amassed an impressive collection of archives of the history of Westfield and the surrounding community and operates a museum with rotating exhibits of its collections. The Miller-Cory House Museum, located at 614 Mountain Avenue, is owned by the Westfield Historical Society and operated by Miller-Cory House volunteers. Built in 1740, the Miller-Cory House was named in honor of its two 18th century owners, both descended from the earliest settlers in the area. The house museum is on the Four Centuries Site Tour and is a living colonial museum today visited by many for its insightful and historic programs and tours. Tax-deductible contributions to this important cause may be sent to Westfield Historical Society, P. O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ 07091. To volunteer, contact the Westfield Historical Society at 908-654-1794 or by email to info@westfieldhistoricalsociety.org.