Interesting E-mail sent to WestfieldNJ.com . . .
Remembering My Early Childhood in Westfield
Dear Mr. Walker,
I spent my first 10 years of life in Westfield. I remember vividly that part of my childhood as it was one of the best of times. I remember the concerts in the park where high school bands often played on the bandstand and residents sat on lawnchairs and blankets as the music began in the late afternoon only interrupted by the presence of the ice cream truck.
Mindowaskin Park.
I remember Woodrow Wilson Grammar School. The field trips were unlike any other I have ever known or experienced. Once, we went on the Hudson River Ferry. Another time, the BEST, we went on the fastest train in the world at the time, The Phoebe Snow. It was an all day adventure aboard two trains and into Pennyslvania.
Westfield was gorgeous then. The vivid autumn colors. The beautiful springtime- I remember Echo Lake Park when the brownie troop I belonged to traveled there to create s'mores (those graham cracker,melted marshmellow and chocolate sandwiches that were always a part of a girl scout's menu).
I was a young child, but Westfield was heaven as far as I was concerned.
We skated on Mindowaskin Lake during the winter times- the miniature lighted village that was erected on one of the two islands in the lake, always sparked the imagination and thrill of the approaching holiday season.
Or walking to church on Sunday wearing my Easter dress and a hat as we passed garden upon garden of beautiful spring flowers on people's lawns. I still surround myself with daffodils because we had a large bush of them on the side of our house.
Where did we live? Belmar Place and then Kimbal Avenue.
More than once, I ventured from our home to walk down dusty lanes dotted with farms on the outskirts of town. Ripe pumpkins piled against worn wooden fences at the entrance of the properties. The aroma of burning leaves in the crisp fall air.
When I saw the movie, Pollyanna starring Hayley Mills, that was the closest thing to what I remember Westfield to be like.
It's funny to admit, but I am still sometimes homesick for my hometown.
And with your website, I am able to return whenever I want and see that even though it's been 30 + years, Westfield really hasn't changed much. It is still the beautiful, idealic hometown that I so remember.
I guess is what I am saying, is thank you.
Sincerely,
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Dear Virginia,
Thanks for sharing that with us!
DW
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