Westfield, Massachusetts

The area was originally inhabited by the Pocomtuc tribe, and was known as Woronoco (meaning "the winding land"^[1]). Trading houses were built in 1639-40 by settlers from the Connecticut Colony. Massachusetts asserted jurisdiction, and prevailed after a boundary survey. In 1647, Massachusetts made Woronoco part of Springfield, Massachusetts.^[2] Land was incrementally purchased from the Indians and granted by the Springfield town meeting to English settlers, beginning in 1658. The area of Woronoco or "Streamfield" began to be permanently settled in the 1660s^[2]. In 1669 (OS), "Westfield" was incorporated as an independent town;^[3] in 1920, it would be re-incorporated as a city.

From the time of its founding until 1725, Westfield was the westernmost settlement in the Massachusetts Colony. Town meetings were held in a church meeting house until 1839 when Town Hall was erected on Broad Street. This building served as a City Hall from 1920 to 1958. Due to its alluvial lands, the inhabitants of this area were entirely devoted to agricultural pursuits for about 150 years.

Early in the 19th century the making of bricks, whips, and cigars became the principal occupations. At one point in the 1800s, Westfield was the prominent center of the buggy whip industry. To this day, the city is nicknamed the "Whip City." Other firms at the time engaged in the production of bicycles, paper products, boilers and radiators, textile machinery, abrasives, wood products, and precision tools. The establishment of industry in the community changed its character from agricultural to a thriving industrial city during the latter part of the 19th century, however by the second half of the 20th century the industrial base was eroded by wage competition in the U.S. Southeast, then overseas.

With relatively cheap land in the suburbs and convenient access to east-west and north-south interstate highways, Westfield has become a warehousing center to C & S Wholesale, Home Depot, Lowes and other corporations. The city is also becoming something of a college town with students at Westfield State College comprising about 15% of the population.

It is also important to note that there are only two buildings in Westfield that are above four stories. This is due to a major fire on January 6, 1952; the Westfield Professional Building covered half a downtown city block. At the time the fire department was unable to react to such a fire (the building was 6 stories) and thus the entire building burned down and caused damage to neighboring buildings as well. Subsequent zoning regulations prohibited new construction of nearly all buildings with heights higher than three stories.

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 pure foods expert for McClure's, lived in Westfield until his murder. In 1906, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

[edit] Geography

View of Snake Pond and the Westfield countryside from East Mountain

Westfield is located at 42°7′46″N, 72°44′46″W (42.129492, -72.745986)^[4]. It is bordered on the north by Southampton, on the northeast by Holyoke, on the east by West Springfield, on the southeast by Agawam, on the south by Southwick, on the southwest by Granville, on the west by Russell, and on the northwest by Montgomery. Westfield is split into the "South Side" and the "North Side" by the Westfield River, and the northwestern section of town is known as Wyben.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 47.3 square miles (122.6 km²), of which, 46.6 square miles (120.6 km²) of it is land and 0.7 square miles (1.9 km²) of it (1.56%) is water.

Westfield is situated at the western edge of the downfaulted Connecticut River Valley where the Westfield River emerges from the Berkshire Hills and flows through the center of the city on its way to the Connecticut River some ten miles (15 km) downstream. Because of its large, steep and rocky upstream watershed the river has a history of severe flood episodes, inundating adjacent parts of Westfield several times. In spite of a complicated system of pumps, dikes, waterways, and upstream dams, Westfield lies in a floodplain zone and is still considered flood prone.

Westfield is bordered on the east by linear cliffs of volcanic traprock known as East Mountain and Provin Mountain. They are part of the Metacomet Ridge, a mountainous traprock ridgeline that stretches from Long Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border. Both are traversed by the 110 mile Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.

Westfield is on the fringe of the greater BosWash urban corridor -- the most densely populated region of the United States -- and has experienced substantial land development for suburban residential and commercial uses for the past six decades. Yet it borders "Hilltowns" to the west that were depopulated of subsistence farmers in the 1800s as land became readily available on the western frontier. With population dipping below ten per square kilometer in some upland townships, forests are reverting almost to pre-settlement conditions with wild turkey, bears, coyotes and even moose returning after absences perhaps measured in centuries. This transition over a few kilometers from 21st century urbanization to nearly those of early colonial times is notable if not unique.

[edit] Demographics

Historical populations
Census	Pop.	%±
1930	16,684	—
1940	18,793	12.6%
1950	20,962	11.5%
1960	26,302	25.5%
1970	31,433	19.5%
1980	36,465	16%
1990	38,372	5.2%
2000	40,072	4.4%
historical data source: ^[5]

As of the census^[6] of 2000, there were 40,072 people, 14,797 households, and 10,017 families residing in the city. The population density was 860.3 people per square mile (332.2/km²). There were 15,441 housing units at an average density of 331.5/sq mi (128.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.53% White, 0.91% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.12% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.01% of the population.

Westfield has long been a multicultural city with significant enclaves of Italians, Irish, Poles, French Canadians, Puerto Ricans and most recently Ukrainians and Russians.

There were 14,797 households out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,240, and the median income for a family was $55,327. Males had a median income of $38,316 versus $27,459 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,600. About 6.9% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Government

Westfield is governed by a mayor and a city council, elected every two years. The Office of the Mayor is responsible for a variety of services throughout the city and the mayor also serves as Chairman of the School Committee. The City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:30 in City Hall.

The current mayor of Westfield is Michael R. Boulanger.

Ward	Councilor	Years on City Council
Ward 1	Christopher Keefe	2003, 2008-Present
Ward 2	Daniel Knapik	2002-Present
Ward 3	Peter J. Miller, Jr.	2004-Present
Ward 4	Mary O'Connell	2006-Present
Ward 5	Richard Onofrey, Jr.	2006-Present
Ward 6	Christopher Crean	2000-2005, 2008-Present
At-Large	James R. Adams	2004-Present
At-Large	David Bannish	1988-1993, 1996-1997, 2000-Present
At-Large	John Liptak	2006-Present
At-Large	Charlie Medeiros	1976-1981, 1984-1985, 1988-Present
At-Large	Nicholas Morganelli, Jr.	2008-Present
At-Large	City Council President Brian Sullivan	1998-Present
At-Large	Joe Wynn	2006-Present

[edit] Education

Westfield's public school system consists of two preschools, eight elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools.

[edit] Preschools

[edit] Elementary schools

[edit] Middle schools

[edit] High schools

[edit] Private schools

[edit] Higher education

The city is also home to Westfield State College.

[edit] Media

Westfield Evening News/Pennysaver
PREDVESTNIK, The Russian Language Newspaper, (Official website)

[edit] Transportation

[edit] Major highways

The Massachusetts Turnpike crosses Westfield just north of the central business district. The "Mass Pike" is part of I-90 extending east to Boston and west to Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, and across the Upper Midwest, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho to Spokane and Seattle. About five kilometers east of Westfield, the turnpike intersects I-91 which generally follows the Connecticut River Valley south to Springfield, Hartford and New Haven or north to Canada (Quebec). The major north-south thoroughfare in Westfield is Rte. US 202/MA 10, which includes parts of Southwick Rd. S. Maple St., W. Silver St., Pleasant St., Court St., Broad St., Elm St., North Elm St., and Southampton Rd. At the intersection of Sothampton Rd. and North Rd., Rte. MA 10 continues on Southampton Rd. toward Southampton while Rte. US 202 follows North Rd. toward Holyoke. The major east-west thoroughfare is Rte. US 20, which includes parts of Russell Rd., Franklin St., Elm St., Main St., E. Main St., and Springfield Rd. Rte. MA 187 also ends in Westfield. Other main roads include Western Ave., Granville Rd., Union St., and Montgomery Rd. East Mountain Rd. is the longest road in Westfield.

[edit] Great River Bridge project

A notable choke point for north/south travel through Westfield is the Great River Bridge over the Westfield River. It is a three lane truss bridge where Elm Street (south of the bridge) and North Elm Street (north of the bridge) meet and cross the river. Currently (August 2007), there is an active project to create a second such bridge just to the east (downstream) of this bridge. Once the second bridge is completed, the existing bridge will be refurbished, then each bridge will carry traffic in one direction.

In order to clear the way for the new bridge, there was a large property taking on the east side of North Elm Street.

[edit] Rail

Rail freight service is provided by Pioneer Valley Railroad and CSX. More than 35 motor freight carriers with nearby terminals provide competitive freight service locally and to all distant points.

[edit] Bus

The city is presently served by two PVTA bus routes to Springfield and Holyoke. Bus and rail service to all points is available at Springfield.

[edit] Air

Barnes Municipal Airport in Westfield has charter passenger services available.

The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport at Windsor Locks, Connecticut with scheduled flights listed by most airlines, is within 40 minutes driving time.

[edit] Points of interest

[edit] Notable residents

Edward Bancroft (1744–1821) physician and double agent in the American Revolution
Emma Helen Blair (1851—1911) historian, journalist and editor who attended high school in town
Lou Barlow (b. 1966), alternative rock singer, songwriter, musician
Asahel Bush (1824-1913), printer and publisher the Oregon Statesman newspaper; His estate is now preserved as Bush's Pasture Park and his home, Asahel Bush House, is on the National Register of Historic Places
Ray Fitzgerald (]1904]-1977), Major League Baseball player who died in town
Frederick H. Gillett (1851–1935), U.S. Representative, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Manuel Gonzales (1913-1993), comics artist
Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden (1829–1887) pioneering geologist
Thomas Ingersoll (1749 – 1812), early settler of Ingersoll, Ontario, and for whom that town is named
Michael Kelley formerly of the NFL, who played for the Houston Oilers, and the Philadelphia Eagles
Jackie French Koller, author and painter
Walt Kowalczyk (b. 1935), professional football player with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders
Jesse Leach, rock singer and musician
Kay Life, artist, children's book illustrator
Don Pardo, television announcer
Frederic Rzewski, composer
Sebadoh, indie rock band
Walter Scott Story (1879-1955), author
Edward Taylor (c. 1642–1729) poet, physician, and pastor
Stephen Albano artist, musician
Tyler Glaiel Video game programmer, musician, small internet celebrity
Chris Hart - 2007 Massachusetts State Champion of the National Geographic Society National Geography Bee ^[7]

[edit] Bands from Westfield

Killswitch Engage, metalcore rock band
Sebadoh, indie rock band
Steve Westfield and the Slow Band, indie rock band
Pajama Slave Dancers, indie rock/punk band
S.M.A., ska/rock band

[edit] References

^ An Historical Address / Delivered before the citizens of Springfield in Massachusetts at the public celebration May 26 1911 of the Two Hundred and Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Settlement with Five Appendices, by Charles H. Barrows. Copyright 1916, Connecticut Valley Historical Society. Thef. A. Bassett Co. Printers, Springfield, Mass. Appendix A, Meaning of Local Indian Names.
^ ^a ^b Chronology of Westfield (1) Louis M. Dewey, copyright 1905-1919.
^ Chronology of Westfield (2) Louis M. Dewey, copyright 1905-1919.
^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
^ Population of Massachusetts Cities, Towns and Counties, 1930-1998.
^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
^ http://press.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/index.jsp?pageID=pressReleases_detail&siteID=1&cid=1175799163368

http://www.cityofwestfield.org

[edit] External links

Official Site
Westfield State College
Westfield Athenaeum, the library in Westfield
Westfield is home to Barnes Airport, which hosts The 104th Fighter Wing
A Record of Marriages, Births and Deaths in Westfield, Massachusetts Prior to the Year 1700 - Communicated by the Rev. Emerson Davis of that town, Corresponding Member of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society

Westfield, Massachusetts is at coordinates 42°07′46″N 72°44′46″W / 42.129492, -72.745986 (Westfield, Massachusetts)Coordinates: 42°07′46″N 72°44′46″W / 42.129492, -72.745986 (Westfield, Massachusetts)

v • d • e Municipalities and communities of Hampden County, Massachusetts

Cities	Agawam \| Chicopee \| Holyoke \| Springfield \| West Springfield \| Westfield

Towns	Blandford \| Brimfield \| Chester \| East Longmeadow \| Granville \| Hampden \| Holland \| Longmeadow \| Ludlow \| Monson \| Montgomery \| Palmer \| Russell \| Southwick \| Tolland \| Wales \| Wilbraham

CDPs	Bondsville \| Holland \| Monson Center \| Palmer \| Three Rivers \| Wilbraham

Villages	Feeding Hills \| Forest Park