The Reeve House

 Are you familiar with Westfield NJ’s Historical Society Reeve House?  Most people are familiar with it only as the building that houses The Westfield Historical Society at314 Mountain Avenue.  While the Historical Society has called this location home for the last several years, the 1875 Victorian home, situated on over an acre and a half of property, was once inhabited by Brig.General John Myrick, (from 1841 – 1855), then by the owner and proprietor of The Westfield Hotel, William Stitt (from 1872 – 1898), and by prominent Westfield resident Edgar Reeve (from 1906 – 1962).  He subsequently bequeathed the house to the town ofWestfield, under the condition that his son, Edgar Reeve Jr., could live there until the time of his death.  When he died in 2001, the house was in a state of disrepair.  The Historical Society launched a “Save the Reeve House” campaign, and with individual charitable cash donations and with grants from the Town of Westfield, restored the house to its original splendor, and moved in. The Reeve House is now the permanent home for the Westfield Historical Society’s archives and historical museum.  The Reeve House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

The Westfield NJ’s Historical Society Reeve House is a non-profit organization established in 1969.  With over 700 members, they strive to encourage interest in Westfield history, and to collect and preserve artifacts and information that make up that history. Visitors can explore the home and see furnishings and artifacts from the past, learn more about the history of the town of Westfield,  and see in person the beautiful 1.2 million dollar restoration of this Westfield gem. And there are many opportunities to take part in fun events such as this weekend’s Apple Fest! It takes place this Saturday, October 5th!