After finding the picture shown here at the museum, I asked last winter if anyone knew anything about the steamship, Assawompsett. I soon received replies from several people (thank you) and am finally getting around to sharing.
The Assawompsett was actually a side-wheeler steamer and while it did ply Rochester waters, its story is one that finds its home in Middleborough. In the late 1800’s, the water in the ponds that line Rte.105 was much higher. Lakeville (aptly named) was a summer resort destination and a side wheeler, Pioneer, made trips down the Nemasket River from the Riverside Wharf on Water St. through the narrows south to Long Point to Pocksha Pond and the waters off North Ave. and Neck Rd. in Rochester.
In 1882, the larger Assawompsett replaced the Pioneer. The new ship was 60 ft. long and had a hinged smokestack, which could be lowered to go under low bridges. It was said to be able to hold 100 passengers.
The side wheeler excursions took passengers to the popular spots: Stony Point, known now as Nelson’s Grove, Sear’s Grove and Lake View. Trips were scheduled to coincide with the Old Colony Railroad’s train schedule.
As the 19th century was drawing to a close, the town of Taunton was authorized by the state to use the lake as a water supply and built a gatehouse across the mouth of the Nemasket River. This allowed them to raise and lower water levels, but it also, blocked access to the lakes. It also served to lower the water level of the river and put an end to the side-wheeler cruises.
The Assawompsett suffered a sad fate. It was pulled up on the shore near the East Grove Street Bridge and abandoned. Perhaps in protest, the Assawompsett broke loose, floated to the bridge and managed to wedge itself against the side and blocked the entire river.
This was its last hurrah. It was dislodged and towed upstream to a cove across from the pumping station. It was partially dismantled with the engine removed and used to haul ice to area icehouses and the smokestack was left in a field to succumb to rust. It was further cannibalized with its iron parts taken and sold for scrap. Some residents remember seeing the keel buried in the mud of the river and the vessel’s ribs sticking up near the pumping station.
By Connie Eshbach