For the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series in October, guests are welcome to the in-person luncheon at the newly renovated Echo Lake Country Club on Wednesday October 6th at 11:45am. Richard Rosenthal will present "The Precedents of the Prefident*:  George Washington and the Creation of the Executive Office."  (*In 1789, a print “s” was written “f.”)

          When George Washington was about to become the first President under the Constitution of the United States, he said “I walk on untrodden ground to shape America.”  And he did! Everything that George Washington did, from the inaugural oath, through the establishment of the U.S. Treasury and its financial system, to the creation of the Coast Guard, cabinet meetings, appointment of ambassadors, appointment of the justices of the Supreme Court, his dealings with Congress, to the time when Washington unilaterally on his own volition, refused to run for a third term for the presidency of the United States was a precedent. 

     There can only be one Number One – and George Washington was that Number One, setting the guidelines for all future presidents.

Rich Rosenthal has lectured on numerous historical subjects and is president of the North Jersey Civil War Round Table, was a board member and one of the founding members, with the pre-eminent New Jersey historian, the late John T. Cunningham, of the North Jersey American Revolution Round Table.

      Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com; or, by calling 908-654-1794, before Friday, October 1. Please advise if there are special dietary needs. The luncheon fee of $35 (WHS members) or $40 (non-members) includes a three-course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. The luncheon fee should be paid in advance (check payable to Westfield Historical Society) by mailing to Westfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ  07091; by Venmo to @Westfield-HistoricalSociety; or, online by clicking on “Reservations” in the banner above this page; or go to: www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org/registration. Payments should be received by Friday prior to the luncheon. Westfield Historical Society memberships will also be available at the luncheon.

      Since 1968, the 501(c)(3) non-profit Westfield Historical Society has worked to preserve, interpret and encourage interest in history, Westfield, and its residents through educational efforts and community outreach programs