I often mention that the ideas for many of my articles are found in old newspaper clippings. Some of these clippings have been found in scrapbooks in the museum collection and others were in an envelope sent to me, but most of them have come from the multiple, large boxes of newspaper clippings donated by the family of Georgia Decas Chamberlain. For many years, Georgia was the Rochester correspondent for the New Bedford Standard Times. She saved her contributions along with other articles that she felt were pertinent to Rochester and the neighboring areas.
Born in 1921, Georgia moved to Rochester when she married Joseph Chamberlain. They raised their family in their home across from Mary’s Pond. Georgia lived in that home for 45 years. Georgia was a very busy person, assisting in her husband’s and family’s businesses. In addition, she devoted many hours over many years to the town of Rochester.
She was an outspoken environmentalist and joined the Rochester Conservation Commission when it was created in the early 1960’s, and she was its chairperson for many years. She worked to bring the SEAMASS trash to energy plant to town which over the years has provided a major source of revenue.
She made it possible for the Rochester Land Trust to come up with money to protect some of the Rounseville’s properties. She received many honors based on her conservation work. One was a Certificate of Appreciation from the town of Rochester for her commitment and dedication to the town. She also received the Environmental Service Award from the Massachusetts Associations of Conservation Commissions.
Georgia was an active member of the new COA (she donated the recently replaced generator) and she was a valued member and benefactress of our Historical Society. Georgia passed away at the age of 91 in 2013.
By Connie Eshbach
