Emma Bridges

Emma Bridges was a beloved resident of Westfield, having served the community in many social endeavors for 52 years. She devoted her life to community service and played a major role in the creation of many social and religious institutions. In 1880, Emma was a leader in establishing the Congregational Church located on Elmer Street, where she taught Sunday School for 40 years. In 1891 she was credited with organizing the Children’s Country Home, now famously known as Children’s Specialized Hospital. In 1895 she helped organize and became the first president of Westfield Woman’s’ Club. In 1874 she was also instrumental in establishing the Westfield Public Library which grew out of Every Saturday Book Club. The club, located on the top floor of Prospect Street School later relocated to Lyceum (Arcanum Hall) in 1878, at which time, the name changed to Westfield Public Library. She and her sister sold the family-owned triangle park at Mountain Ave and Lawrence Ave for the nominal sum of $ 1,000.00 on condition it he remain a public park in perpetuity. She was president of the Philadelphia branch of Foreign Missions.