[7] In addition to his political and manufacturing careers, Whiting was a prominent philanthropist in Holyoke's history, and endowed the city with many of its secular institutions.

In 1870 along with John and Edwin Chase, Whiting incorporated the Holyoke Public Library, serving as its first president.

[8] During his mayoralty Whiting privately funded the construction of the Holyoke Opera House, a venue which once hosted a wide variety of renowned Vaudeville and musical acts, as well as early motion pictures.

Following a period of declining membership and poor bookkeeping the William Whiting Lodge however had its charter suspended in 1997.

Many of the institutions which Whiting established or cultivated during his life continue to play a significant in Holyoke today.

Whiting, an alumnus of Holyoke Public Schools would have one named after him on Chestnut Street, which has since been converted to apartments.