The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club will hold their January meeting on Thursday, January 15 at noon in Reynard Hall at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 17 Church Street.
Our January program will feature a talk about a 14-year old boy named Manjiro, a shipwreck on Torishima Island and the whaling ship John Howland. Please join us to learn more about the Whitfield-Manjiro story and the Friendship House in Fairhaven.
Gerry Rooney, President & CEO, Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, Inc., will discuss the relationship with Manjiro’s home town (our Sister City of Tosashimizu) and the current programs at the museum (Captain Whitfield’s house) at 11 Cherry Street, Fairhaven.
Mr. Rooney first encountered the hospitality of Japan when he visited there during a 3.5-year journey around the world by motor scooter. He moved to New Bedford from the town of Wilmington, MA and met his Japanese wife, Ayako, there. In 1987, she accompanied a group from this area to Tosashimizu to sign the “Sister City” agreement. Since that time he has been involved with the organization and has been the President of the organization for the past 24 years.
After his retirement from a 35-year human services career, Mr. Rooney decided to organize his extensive notes from his 3.5-year journey and write a book. He will have a few copies of Hello Brother for interested buyers. (This may also be a topic for a future talk….)
Please join us for a light lunch and a fascinating talk about some local history.
For more information or directions, please call Barb at 508-864-5213.