About Westfield Center
A historic New England–style village in northeast Ohio, rooted in community since 1826.
Settled by New Englanders, rooted in Ohio.
The Village had its beginnings in 1817 when settlers from New England homesteaded by the side of Camel Creek; their neighbors included the Wolf and Chippewa Indians. Henry Thorndyke and James Fowler became the first landowners of the twenty-five square miles of the newly formed township, and Fowler named the new territory after his home, Westfield, Massachusetts.
The Village of Westfield Center, in southern Medina County, was established in 1826. It was laid out as a typical New England settlement with a central four-acre green. The Village hall, facing the commons, was built two years later, and was soon joined by two churches, a general store and an inn. The post office came in 1836, and the Village somehow became known as LeRoy; the name problem was resolved in 1971 when the Village was once again named Westfield Center.
A new Village Hall, housing the municipal government offices, the police department and the post office, was dedicated in 2001. Immediately to the north is the Village's unique park, offering picnic tables and a ten-station exercise trail.
The LeRoy name survives today in North LeRoy Village Park — the North Leroy Village Park Plan in the Document Library traces the park that carries the Village's former name.
Editor's note: the population figure is as of the 2010 census — a current figure should be substituted once confirmed.
The Westfield Group.
No historical sketch, however brief, can ignore the impact of the Westfield Group — the presence of “The Company” put the tiny Village on the map. Chartered by the Ohio legislature in 1848, the Ohio Farmers' Insurance was founded by local farmers.
In 1971, in conjunction with the Village name change, the Ohio Farmers' Insurance became the Westfield Companies. A company that critics said could not succeed celebrated 150 years of success in 1998.
Its 1,800 employees in Westfield Center contribute to the financial stability of the Village, and the Westfield Group is a recognized good citizen of the community.
Life on the Village Green.
Memorial Day Parade
The Village of Westfield Center has a parade each Memorial Day, followed by a tribute to honor veterans at the Westfield Center Cemetery.
Labor Day Car Show
Our annual tradition draws classic-car enthusiasts from across the region for a day on the green.
Council Meetings
Regular sessions of Village Council are held at the Municipal Building — see the events calendar for dates.
Community Picnic
A summer gathering on the green with music, food, and neighbors old and new.