IN MEMORY OF H. EMERSON THOMAS

On August 25 we said farewell to H. Emerson Thomas, a founder and pillar of the Westfield Historical Society. Although much as been written and said about his enormous influence on the community of Westfield, we shall only comment here on his key and unfortunately, little remembered role in the formation of the Society.

In the mid-fifties, Em Thomas was responsible for the vigorous action that led to the establishment of the Society. Upon becoming mayor, he appointed a Westfield Historical Committee to collect and archive information on the history of Westfield. The Committee, chaired by Senator Arthur N. Pierson, was made up of persons who themselves had played major roles in the shaping of Westfield. They included Leigh M. Pearsall, Charles A. Philhower, Addison H. Clark, Charles Clark, Mary Virginia Gale, John H. Frazee, Donald McDougall, Moreland Townley, and Elizabeth French. One key committeeman remains today a WHS member and active legal practitioner: Robert C. "Bob" Thomson.

Significant players in the pioneering effort were Librarian Shirley Wright and Attorney Horace E. Baker, scion of a family which arrived here about 1742. In fact, both Mr. Clarks, Miss French, Mr. Frazee and Mr. Pierson himself all descended from original settlers. The contributions to Westfield of Mr. Pearsall were too vast to even summarize here. The same can be said of Chairman Pierson…and the man who appointed them, Emerson Thomas.

The Westfield Historical Committee was the direct forerunner of the Westfield Historical Society. The archives it compiled and collected became the genesis of our Museum and Archives. The official birthing of the Society was slated for 1959; Mr. Baker had drawn up the incorporation papers and begun work on a constitution. We can only guess at why it didn't happen then: Mr. Pierson died and Mr. Thomas completed his two terms as mayor.

Nevertheless, throughout the Sixties, Em Thomas and his close friend Charles P. Bailey, who preceded him as mayor, employed their still potent influence to keep the dream of a Westfield Historical Society alive. Horace Baker, whose law office was long the official address of the Society and late-sixties Mayor Robert Mulreany gave the movement their full support and energy. Thus, in December 1968 the state approved our charter, making us "official" at last.

An interesting footnote: the first treasurer of the Society was Mr. Horace Corbin, now publisher of The Westfield Leader. Weyman O. Steengrafe and Mrs. Helen Wyman were the first two Presidents.

Emerson Thomas was a strong and powerful man. For many decades, he kept watch over the affairs of the Society he had been instrumental in creating. He was honored with our Trustees Award for his singular and dedicated service to Westfield. While we shall long feel the void of his absence, we shall continue to benefit from the legacies he left behind.

Ralph H. Jones, Life Trustee

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