Priscilla B. Nixon
A lifelong advocate of history, the arts, and antiques, Priscilla B. Nixon was a distinguished member of her community, residing in Westfield for over 50 years and growing up in nearby Jamestown. She was highly active in many organizations which helped to enrich and promote the historical significance within Chautauqua County.
Priscilla was instrumental in placing Westfield on the National Register of Historic Places and helped to establish the Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center at Fredonia College. Additionally, she was the founder and president of both the Peacock Landmark Society and the Landmark Society of Chautauqua County.
Throughout her life, Priscilla tirelessly provided support to Chautauqua County’s Historical Society-where she served in a number of leadership roles including President. She also directed and participated in the Society’s Westfield Antiques Show, the longest running antiques show in the United States. Many other institutions benefited from Priscilla’s contributions, such as Westfield YWCA, Union Relief, Chautauqua County Republican Women, Patterson Library, Westfield Garden Club and the Westfield Planning Board, where she volunteered for 21 years.
In 1983, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce honored Priscilla with their “Citizen of the Year” award, and the following year she was bestowed New York State’s Historic Preservation Private Sector award by then Governor Mario Cuomo in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in the field of Historic Preservation. He described her as a “tenacious and charming grassroots preservationist.”
A caring wife, loving mother and doting owner of her beloved animals, Priscilla simultaneously served her family and local society while owning her own business, Priscilla B. Nixon Antiques, where she combined her keen eye with her love of treasured furnishings, textiles and objet d’art.