- Image via Wikipedia
Westfield, MA has a long and diverse history. As one of the largest cities in Massachusetts by land mass, it has experienced a lot of changes over the course of time.
The history involves whips, murders over pure food, the creation of equal higher education, bicycles and parks.
What began as a largely agricultural outcropping for Springfield has matured into a thriving city that has offered much to local and national history.
Known as the Whip City because of the large buggy whip industry that was focused here during the 19th Century, there is still one major supplier of whips housed here.
In the early 20th century, Westfield was at the center of the Pure Food movement, an effort to require stricter standards on the production of food. Louis B. Allyn, a Westfield resident and professor, lived in Westfield until his murder in 1940. Allyn was outspoken and determined to warn people against foods that were harmful to them. He even went up against the Coca Cola company when he tried to warn parents to not let their children drink this beverage, which at the time contained the addictive and harmful drug cocaine. His murder remains the only unsolved murder in Westfield, MA. In 1906, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.
Another famous Westfield company is the Columbia Bicycle Factory. With a branch located in Westfield since 1896, there has been much innovation and contribution to our area by this company.
Rounding out the wonderful culture and history of Westfield, MA is what is now known as Westfield State University. Founded in 1838 by educator and social reformer Horace Mann who wanted to foster public co-educational college in America without barrier to race, gender and economic class. The journey from there encompassed the names: “Westfield Teachers College”, “Westfield State College” and in 2010 it was dubbed Westfield State University.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the lovely and historic Grandmothers’ Garden and Stanley Park. Both of these lovely public spaces bring joy and beauty to the residents and visitors of Westfield, MA.
As a REALTOR in Westfield, MA since 1988 and a resident of Westfield since 1987, I take great pride in sharing some of the culture, history and charm of my hometown.
Lesley Lambert, Park Square Realty, Westfield MA 413.575.3611
