As part of The Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series, David Rogers' talk is on the subject "Stoned in History…Lore from Cemetery Stonework” for December 4, 2019. Mr. Rogers takes a look at stonework as it records little-known facts about wars, conflicts and families through the centuries. The event will begin with check-in at 11:45 am at Ferraro’s Restaurant (2nd Floor), 14 Elm Street, Westfield.
Mr. Rogers has accumulated much information from local cemeteries. This information provides facts, through the centuries, about life in those times. He will present his findings which are organized in a time-line fashion.
Some of his research is based on the Presbyterian Church in Westfield’s cemetery, the Burial Grounds of the Presbyterian Church in the West Fields of Elizabethtown, which has been active since 1737. It has been in the National Register of Historic Places since 2007. It is the final resting place of the founders of Westfield, veterans of American wars (including 73 veterans of the Revolutionary War) and has a rich history mirroring that of Westfield itself, which was first established as a village in 1720.
Mr. Rogers is lifelong resident of Union County, a graduate of the Pingry School and Newark College of Engineering. His 25-year employment with the Singer Co. included foreign residency and numerous positions from entry level engineering to Vice President of Marketing. Subsequently he purchased and operated Spring Valley Monuments in Spring Valley, NY until retirement. Mr. Rogers served at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield as the Clerk of Session (church ecclesiastical secretary) and a member of the team that manages the church campus including the Nationally Registered Burial Grounds. He was a Trustee of the Old First Historic Trust managing the property of the First Presbyterian Church in his native Elizabeth. His wife, Nancy Priest is the President of the Westfield Historical Society where they both serve on the building committee.
Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com; or, by calling 908-654-1794, before Friday, November 29th. 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; or, here by clicking on the Registration tab above. Payments should be received by Friday prior to the luncheon. Westfield Historical Society memberships will also be available at the luncheon.
The Westfield Historical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. 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.
Ferraro’s Restaurant is at 14 Elm Street, Westfield, NJ. Elevator access is available.
