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Events

Events WHIPP sponsored a presentation entitled Making Sense of Place: Perspectives on Westfield’s Heritage and Cultural Resources at the Westfield Athenaeum in October of 2011

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Events

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  1. Events WHIPP sponsored a presentation entitled Making Sense of Place: Perspectives on Westfield’s Heritage and Cultural Resources at the Westfield Athenaeum in October of 2011 WHIPP hosted, with the Westfield Athenaeum, the Western Hampden Historical Society and Westfield Museum, Inc., a Westfield History Summit in January, 2012

  2. Discussions WHIPP met with: • Local teachers and historians (or those with an interest in history) • Westfield State University personnel • City of Westfield officials • Staff and Board members of museums of similar size or character • Visitors to the Westfield Whip Manufacturing Company factory

  3. The concept has evolved from a simple, narrowly focused museum commemorating Westfield’s signature industry to an inclusive, multipurpose facility which, while still affording visitors the opportunity to experience first hand an 1800’s manufacturing operation at work, also recognizes the history and development of the larger community and incorporates spaces to display, study and appreciate the unique link between Westfield’s 19th century ingenuity and 21st century prosperity

  4. Result A comprehensive study which establishes the basis for future planning by documenting the historic significance of the project, identifying areas of positive impact on the City of Westfield and its residents and examining pitfalls and mitigating strategies

  5. Proposal to Restore the Building • Restoration completed in phases • First floor for displays and community spaces • Second floor will require only minimal work • “Biggest Bang for the Buck”

  6. Capital BudgetBuilding Acquisition, Restoration and Alterations Building acquisition $225,000 Masonry repair, repointing, ivy removal 175,000 Plumbing repair and upgrade 100,000 Electrical system upgrade 100,000 Installation of accessible restroom 25,000 Window restoration 62,000 Exterior ramp and entry reconfiguration 20,000 Landscaping and general site improvements 25,000 Slate roof repair 35,000 Enhancement to fire suppression system 4,000 Sub total $771,000 Contingency 80,000 Subtotal $851,000 Fees (eng., design, City permits, etc.) 65,000 TOTAL $916,000

  7. Installation/Exhibit Budget Acquisitions – machinery and archival material(1) $275,000 Interior modifications, 1st floor, general carpentry 15,000 Graphic presentation 15,000 Lighting (vintage) 7,000 Sub total $312,000 Westfield Room and Educational Space General carpentry 25,000 Entry/exit 5,000 Audio/Visual system 15,000 Lighting, specialized 3,000 Climate control 8,000 TOTAL $368,000 (1) Anticipated owner’s contribution

  8. Adequacy of Neighborhood • Unprecedented investment in infrastructure • Columbia Greenway project • “The Riverfront District” • Themes of culture and recreation • A catalyst for future development: shops, restaurants, etc.

  9. However, the very improvements that cause the area to be more desirable ironically place the preservation of the building in jeopardy

  10. Form of Organization • Building should be acquired by WMI • Lease to Westfield Whip Manufacturing Co., Inc. for whip making necessary, at least short term, to support museum startup

  11. Value of machinery • “…what you have preserved is an unique and complete record of a now-vanished era of manufacture with all relevant artifacts and documentation … a physical representation of a complete manufacturing process; and unquestionably the only such complete collection that exists.” • Robert L. Johnson • Founding Member of The Society of Industrial Archeology

  12. Value of records “The significance of this collection is that although this is the era of a dying business, it is a complete record of it. Especially during the early years, there is correspondence and letterheads from hundreds of other companies in Westfield and the surrounding region that were suppliers to the industry or other whip firms. Their records exist nowhere else. There is the same material from companies in allied industries, in horse related businesses all across the country. This is not just an industry record but the documentation of an entire way of life that was slowly disappearing before the machine. It would be a tragedy if this archival resource were lost.” Dr. Robert T. Brown

  13. It is noteworthy that the National Register of Historic Places lists the building and its contents as historically significant As a complete collection the value is inestimable

  14. Conclusion The proposed working museum at 360 Elm Street presents exciting possibilities not only for historic preservation, although this is a worthwhile goal in itself, but also offers economic development opportunities and will enhance the creation of an Historic Riverfront Park in the heart of the expanded Downtown Historic District

  15. “…by developing the tourism potential of Westfield’s signature industry, the community will gain a compelling talking point to add to the mix of distinguishing qualities needed to compete for talent, tourism and attention. The story of whip manufacturing in Westfield is the story of technology and Yankee ingenuity – the basis of entrepreneurship and innovation – qualities we nurture and attract today by reflecting upon their presence in our past.” William Hosley Historian and Preservation Consultant

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