Streets named after Prohibition leaders. That’s Westerleigh. Picture this: 1887. The National Prohibition Party establishes Prohibition Park. A temperance village a utopian dream. Imagine families strolling tree-lined streets. Victorian homes boasting chestnut trim. Oak floors gleaming. Small balconies whispering secrets. Parlors filled with laughter. Libraries holding quiet thoughts. Formal dining rooms echoing with conversation.
Westerleigh wasn’t just about abstinence. It thrived. It fostered community. Westerleigh Park became its heart. A haven for picnics and celebrations. Patriotic Sunday a yearly tradition. Neighbors gathering. Sharing stories. Building bonds.
But Westerleigh held more than just a dry history. Its location offered breathtaking views. On clear days Newark New Jersey stretched across the horizon. Imagine the stunning vistas enjoyed by early residents. A quiet beauty untouched by the city’s bustle.
The Westerleigh Improvement Society cemented the community. Founded in 1893 it ensured Westerleigh’s unique charm endured. It preserved its historic character. It championed the area’s special identity.
More than just pretty houses and a pretty park Westerleigh had famous residents. Isaac K Funk co-founder of Funk and Wagnalls called it home. Poet Edwin Markham found inspiration within its borders. Even heiress Amy Vanderbilt chose Westerleigh’s tranquility. The neighborhood buzzed with creativity and accomplishment.
The spirit of Westerleigh endures. Its tree-lined streets still whisper tales of temperance and community. Its Victorian homes stand as testaments to a bygone era. Westerleigh Park remains a gathering place. A place where the past and present intertwine. A place where community spirit thrives. A hidden gem on Staten Island.