Publisher’s Note
Neighborhoods and Places To Be

Welcome to This Is Westfield, our 28th annual edition. The town’s historic architecture and neighborhoods are featured this year. Traces to the village days a few centuries ago hint at an explanation of the benefaction bestowed on the town today by scores of generations. Also within, the staff chose the “Ten Historic Spots in Westfield” today. Do you agree?
     The year 2000 finds Westfield booming. In a way, it’s a paradox because nearly all land of the town and of its neighbors is developed. So, the boom is not growth in architecture. The boom is in the spirit and energy of the
people. Too, they dream in all ways that makes them human. Also, the Town is engaged with many aspirations, and it eagerly embraces the challenges that define civilization of our times.
     Our 110th year of newspaper publishing doesn’t reach the full 300 year history of the humble beginnings for the town. But, we’re going to try to catch up over the next century. Thank you for the support: yesterday, today and tomorrow.
     If you have the lingua for French, thank Michelle LePoidevin for the fine job as editor for this edition. I thank her, the entire staff and the many contributors for this labor of love.
     Everything we publish, over the last century and now, is made possible by you and by our advertisers. As readers, you provide the ultimate validation. It’s a great team where all benefit. Look for us in print and on the Internet, www.goleader.com. We like hearing from you. Send your e-mails to press@goleader.com. Better yet, stop in and say hello. Thank you.

Horace R. Corbin
Publisher