A Westfield business owner is trying to show off some history before it has to be moved.
Dance Innovations is housed in a green building on the corner of Union Street + State Road 32 in downtown Westfield. It’s been in that spot for more than 100 years, but now must move by Mon., Oct. 24 due to a road construction project to widen SR 32.
According to Westfield Historical Society President Diana Peyton, the building was constructed in the 1840s — just a few years after Westfield became a town.
Although there’s no official documentation, co-owner Lorenda Carr believes the building played a role in the underground railroad because it has a filled-in tunnel in the basement. However, we do know the building used to be owned by the White family, who were very involved in the underground railroad.
Lorenda is on a mission to make sure as many people can witness this piece of history as possible. She’s created an online sign-up for those interested in a tour and has already had 650+ people register.
