David Mueller, editor and co-author of the new book “Westfield: A Period of Growth and Progress,” says the book came about from a conversation he had.
“Westfield Mayor Andy Cook and I were sitting around talking one day last January about an idea that I had about capturing the recent history of Westfield,” Mueller says. “With the growth of this new city, we thought it was important to capture its growth and progress. Mayor Cook looked at me and said, ‘Well, that’s a great idea. You should do it.’ We wrote down over 40 names of longtime Westfield citizens that could tell this story. We invited them to my office in February, and most accepted the challenge enthusiastically to write their Westfield story.”
Mueller says it was exciting to work on the book, which has 43 authors, 220 pictures and 185 pages.
“When people get the book, they open it and flip through the 200-plus pictures and captions,” Mueller says. “The index in the rear of the book lists the names of the over-250 people listed in the book. Steve Henke and his daughter, Betsy Garfield, wrote three chapters in the book: ‘Developing Grand Park,’ ‘Chatham Hills’ and ‘Bridgewater.’ The other chapters in the book include ‘Westfield’s First Mayor (2008-2023)’ and ‘How did Westfield and Grand Park get the Indianapolis Colts?’”
Mueller notes that the book is sponsored by 13 Westfield companies and individuals. “This means the proceeds from the sale of this new book will go to four local charities: Open Doors food and clothes pantry, Student Impact, Heart and Soul Free Clinic, and Westfield Youth Assistance,” he says.
Mueller has been pleased with the positive response to the book, which costs $40.
“The book is selling well and we expect to sell out this year,” he says.
Mueller adds that Westfield is a special place.
“Westfield is a caring and serving community,” he says. “For almost 200 years the Quaker and Methodist founders helped make Westfield a kind and caring community. Even the Westfield school’s mascot is a kind logo. This culture is alive today with the many organizations that offer service to those in need. Service organizations like Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis are a few examples of those service organizations. As Westfield grows in the future, the early founders will continue to grace our community.”
Mueller says his wife, Mary Beth Mueller, reviewed content for the book.
“Mary Beth gets much of the credit for its completion,” Mueller says.
Mueller says the book is available at several Westfield locations including RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery, Westfield Washington Public Library, Turn the Page, Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum, and the Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
For more info, call Mueller at 317-966-9808.
