WESTFIELD — The Seward-Patterson Mansion, one of Westfield’s oldest and most recognized residences, has an interesting history, including a relocation several miles from its original site.

William Seward had a long, illustrious career in politics. He was governor of New York State and Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln. He negotiated the purchase of Alaska, which at the time many referred to as “Seward’s Folly.” While many people have come to think that William Seward actually lived in the Seward-Patterson Mansion, this is not true. While governor, Seward purchased the Asa Farnsworth home for the Chautauqua Land Company in 1838. He had the front section of the mansion remodeled in 1839. Seward’s brother B.J. lived there and ran the company until his death in 1841. Seward sold the company to his friend. Lt. Gov. G.W. Patterson in 1841.

The Patterson-Crandall family lived in the mansion until its sale to the Welch Grape Juice Company in 1956. In 1967, Welches needed room for expansion and sold the mansion for $1. The new owners had it moved south on Route 394 to its present location, about half way up the Mayville hill. It is currently the William Seward Inn Bed & Breakfast.

The items are available as ornaments or magnets. Thimbles are available on request. The price for these items is $10 each. The Auxiliary will be selling these items every Saturday at the Westfield Farmer’s Market, at First Fridays, and many other community events, or contact Marilyn Hemmer at 326-3504 or 753-6043. The Auxiliary is also selling raffle tickets for a beautiful handmade quilt, lottery tickets and pre-sale tickets for the WMH 75th Anniversary Chicken Barbecue on Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The location of the barbecue is the front lawn of the hospital at 189 East Main St., Westfield. A tent will be set up in case of inclement weather. Barbecue tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from Auxiliary Board members or at the door. All proceeds support WMH Auxiliary’s ongoing projects.