Museum Curator Elizabeth Hutchinson knew that the documents, bits and pieces, articles of clothing, and pictures from the police and fire departments held memories. The community responded to those memory keepers on June 26.
On that evening, the front and back doors of the Mattapoisett Historical Society Museum were flung wide open. With music playing softly in the background and tables laid to overflowing with good things to eat and drink, they hosted an open house and auction.
What the public really came out for, however, was the collection of Police and Fire Department memorabilia expertly organized and put on display for this special occasion – newspaper clippings, crime scene photographs, call logs, uniforms, equipment, many lives and times being relived and relieved. This tangible evidence of those who had been on duty, protecting the citizens of Mattapoisett, is a combination of materials that has been loaned to the museum or has been rediscovered within its walls. The event brought out people who once worked together or who are still working together today. There was laughter mixed with respectful recollections for those who have passed away.
Retired Police Officers Ken Pacheco, Kent Davis, Edward Pina, and Chief Moran (retired), along with Chief Mary Lyons and Officer Anthony Days, enjoyed coming together to reminisce about the old days while looking over the items on display. When asked about highlights of their careers, most said that it was the strong bond of being in service together that they remembered the most – the friendships that have lasted many decades. Oh, there was mention of drug busts, thieves caught, recovered stolen goods, thousands of traffic stops leading to arrests, and the constant threat of danger mixed with good natured ribbing. “Lots of things have changed … lots of guys are gone,” reflected Pacheco. For this night, however ‘it was all good.’
Surprisingly, a number of those who visited the museum did so for the first time. In spite of being employed by the town for years, both Pacheco and his wife, Melody, had never been inside the museum. It was the draw of this exhibit that brought them in. More surprisingly, they had never seen on display the donation they gave the museum – a scale model of the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan. Pacheco had purchased it from a shop in New Bedford as a gift for his parents back in the 1960s. It came back into his possession upon their passing and now is permanently docked in the museum.
Mattapoisett’s Fire Department was also represented. Several active duty members, including Mark Nadeau, Justin Dubois, and Deputy Chief Walter Morgado, came out to view the antiquated firefighting gear and historic documents. Firefighting has its own unique set of potential dangers for those willing to do this dangerous job. Human instinct is to run away from a burning building. Firefighters run towards it. Although techniques, equipment, and understanding the science of structures and fire have evolved over the decades, the basic principles have not. Chief Morgado, whose career on the Mattapoisett Fire Department spans an amazing 51 years with over 30 years as a chief officer, reflected on fire suppression. He said, “….put white on red…” meaning water on fire – period.
As Chris Richards performed a smooth variety of folk and soft rock on his guitar in the carriage house, the assembled enjoyed refreshments and then it was time for Seth Mendell, well-known local historian, to play the role of auctioneer. Nautical themed items went quickly, raising an impressive sum for the museum’s coffers.
The museum has a long list of activities planned throughout the summer. Go to www.mattapoisetthistricalsociety.org for complete details, or call 508-758-2844. The official opening is July 2. Summer hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm for a fee of $5 for adults and $2 for children; Society members free. The Fire and Police exhibit will be on display through the end of August.
By Marilou Newell
