Westville, NJ

Commemorative Events

To celebrate Westville's 50th anniversary of its corporation, a week's celebration was held May 16-23, 1964. All citizen, young and old enjoyed the festivities which began with a community parade on Saturday afternoon followed by an anniversary ball on Saturday night. Miss Westville was selected from three finalists. (Mrs. Shirl Parker)

On Sunday, families were encouraged to attend their churches.

On Monday, the Westville Business Men's Association sponsored a block party at Independent Fire Company Lao.

Tuesday, a "Fun Day in the Park" was sponsored by the Westville PTA, St. Anne's PTA, Lions Club, Rotary Club and American Legion.
Activities included pony rides, fire engine rides, dancing on basketball court, refreshment and a fishing contest.

Wednesday a Senior Citizen Program was held at St. John's Lutheran Church. Residents over 65 were invited to attend this night of entertainment.

Program included a concert by the Audubon Chapter of Barber Shop Quartet. Group singing was led by Harris Harvey. A "Then and Now" fashion show was presented. Awards were given to the oldest man present, the oldest woman present, the couple married the longest and to all couples married in 1914.

The senior citizens enjoyed this evening so much that it became an annual event with an annual banquet sponsored by the borough every yea since. Thursday evening a Broadway promenade in 1914 costumes was sponsored by the Westville business Men's Association. Prizes were awarded.

Friday evening a Hootenanny Program for age 15 and up was held at St. Anne's Hall. This event was sponsored by the Junior Girls Auxiliary, Independent Fire Company, Rotary Club, Reserve Police and American Legion Auxiliary.

The final day was an afternoon and evening program at the Westville Little League Field. The program began with fireworks at 1:00 p.m. followed by flag raising and welcome by Mayor Frank W. Cunningham.

West Deptford Township High School Band presented a concert. Awards were made to winners of the Beard contest.

An elaborate display of fireworks as darkness set in, ended the festivities which were followed by dancing at 10:00 p.m.

In 1976, to help celebrate America's Bicentennial, Westville again planned many community events. For small community, Westville had a very active committee and many worthwhile event spread out over many months.

The festivities for the Bicentennial began with a Boy Scout Camp on July 3-5 1975.

A gala 4th of July celebration for leisure and recreation was held at Hannold Park. The day's activities began at 10:30 a.m. and concluded at 9:30 p.m. with a firework display.

This celebration set the stage for the activities held throughout the year.

In March a Miss Westville Contest was sponsored by the Girl's Softball Association-Miss Jayne Hutchinson, was selected Miss Westville. In April, the Golden Age Club presented the history of Westville and Patriotic music and tableaux.

A Bicentennial poster and essay contest was sponsored for the 5th and 6th grades.

May, saw a gala block party which included a baby parade, dedication of Thomas West Park, annoucement of poster and essay contest winners, fishing contest and Fire Company Tug-of-war.

In June, an invitational Bicentennial Parade was held. Band, floats, and marching groups made a colorful presentation along Broadway and Delsea Drive,. A bicentennial Costume Ball was held at Independent Fire Company on Saturday evening. Also, in June a Festival of Lights, Boats Creek along River Drive. This was a very colorful affair enjoyed by many spectators.

A weekend birthday party was held over 4th of July weekend. A Boy Scout Camporee was held in the Thomas West Park. A gala 4th of July celebration was celebration was held on July 3rd. This celebration included Boys Little League vs. Girls softball All Stars, a bicycle Parade, a softball game, a chicken barbecue booth, sponsored by local groups, and fireworks display was held on July 5th.

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Borough Incorporated ~ Residents of Westville