Flag raised in honor of beloved Westlake couple
The next time you visit the historic Clague House Museum, you may notice the new flag pole just to the right of the front door. The Westlake Historical Society dedicated this flag pole on Saturday, Aug. 11, to the memory of longtime Westlake residents and outstanding society members Bill and Jean Robishaw.
During the ceremony, Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough read a quote by President Abraham Lincoln to describe the Robishaws: “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
Also speaking during the ceremony were Westlake Schools Superintendent Dan Keenan and Westlake Assistant Planning Director William Krause. A representative from Congressman Dennis Kucinich's office was in attendance with a presentation.
Bill and Jean were married for 67 years until her passing in 2010. After Bill passed away earlier this year, Westlake Historical Society President Lysa Stanton proposed the idea of honoring the Robishaws with the flag pole based on several conversations she had earlier with Bill.
They are survived by their three children, James, Gary and Donna. They also have six grandchildren.
Bill Robishaw was born Aug. 25, 1921, and graduated from Dover High School in Westlake in 1939. After serving in World War II, he attended Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, receiving a bachelor degree in elementary education in 1950. He taught in rural Ohio schools four years, prior to returning to Westlake Schools, where he taught seven years before being named elementary principal, first for nine years at Holly Lane, then twelve years at Bassett. He retired in June 1982.
Bill served as president of the Westlake Historical Society for fourteen years. In 1981, he edited and oversaw the publishing of "A History and Civics of Dover Village," from a manuscript written in 1930 by a Dover High School teacher.
In 1993, the Westlake Historical Society published his book, "You've Come a Long Way, Westlake," which was a sequel to the "History and Civics" book. He was chairman of the Suburban West Opportunity School in Westlake, for children and youth with disabilities, during the late 1960s.
In 1967, Bill and Jean were honored to be named Mr. and Mrs. Westlake. Bill was recognized in 2011 by Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough who proclaimed Oct. 22 as "Bill Robishaw Day" in the city.
If you would like to contribute to the Bill and Jean Robishaw Memorial Fund, please make checks to the Westlake Historical Society (mark Robishaw Memorial on comment line), and mail to P.O. Box 45064, Westlake, Ohio 44145. Please call 440-808-1961 with any questions.
Dave Pfister and Lysa Stanton
I am a fan of the history of Westlake!! Westlake Historical Society