From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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In these days of easy access to music of all types, it’s hard to imagine a time when if you wanted music, you had to make it yourself. In colonial times, choirs, singing bees and gathering to hear the few instruments that you and your neighbors possessed were the only sources of music.

            Like most things in colonial life, especially in the 1700s, the church was home to most public music. The Sabbath was celebrated by long sermons and prayers interspersed with the singing of a Psalm which was apparently a lengthy procedure.

            At a Sunday service, the Psalm, “turned into meter”, was lined off or “deaconed” by an appointed person. In the case that person was unavailable, there were always two or more who could take over. The style of singing in vogue at the time, slow tunes, took up quite a bit of time. The book from which most music was chosen was the “Bay Psalm Book” and in general, only a few church tunes were well known.

            Our colonial ancestors were nothing if not contentious, and it wasn’t long before a disagreement arose over whether it was more appropriate to have “singing by rote” or “singing by rule”. One of those in opposition to “singing by rule” wrote, “If they sing by rule they will also pray by rule and preach by rule, and then comes popery”.

            The “singing by rule” faction won out and with it came books of music, variations in the method of singing and The New England Singing School. Many of those who attended the school were gathered into choirs and “part singing” was introduced.

            Once church congregations stopped arguing over the singing, they turned their attention to the musical instruments allowed in the church. First, came the pitch pipe (to help with the singing), followed quickly by the bass viol, the violin and eventually other instruments.

            It was the bass viol that caused the most contention, though I’ve found no explanation of why. After much debate and discussion, a compromise was made in some churches as to how often the bass viol could be played. After that, things settled down and the pitch pipe, bass viol and violin were most commonly used, until the introduction of the melodeon and then in the mid-1800s the church organ.

            The popularity of organs rose and could be found not only in most churches, but also in the homes of the well to do. In fact, the organ in our museum (pictured here) was donated to the East Rochester Congregational Church from a private home. Though it looks like a small pipe organ, it is a rare “vocalion” organ of which we are very proud. It was once in the home of the Hathaways of Wareham and was given by a Mrs. Stone in 1932.

By Connie Eshbach

A Model Citizen Recognized

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God must smile upon the six people who reportedly attended the 1954 funeral of Abraham Skidmore, who in life was a beacon of hope and positivity across six very challenging decades in the Town of Mattapoisett.

            It is long overdue that Skidmore, the son of slaves who, though born (1878) and reared in North Carolina, made his life in Mattapoisett, be recognized posthumously with the Keel Award.

            Skidmore’s story tells itself, but it was most recently and beautifully chronicled by Jessica DeCicco-Carey of the citizen’s group Tri Town Against Racism and published at mattapoisettmuseum.org.

            As told by DeCicco-Carey, the story of “Skid” is an amazing tale of perseverance against long odds, love for an adopted community that he would express in both small personal ways and in large demonstrations of leadership, and his enduring character.

            Racial segregation was a good day in the late 19th century, and a bad day was violence, even lynchings. Amidst that post-slavery turmoil, Skidmore discovered an opportunity to move his life to the north. His trek took him to New Jersey, then to New Bedford, where he would find his future in a newspaper advertisement about a barber shop for sale in Mattapoisett.

            In 1899, Skidmore was but 21 years of age when he took a train into Mattapoisett, the requisite training and licensing in hand for his budding career.

            Before operating at his legacy location on Church Street, Skidmore would begin cutting hair in Purrington Hall, where Shipyard Park now stands. There were two brief stopovers between the locations, but Skidmore was Mattapoisett’s signature and only barber for 55 years. He and his wife Anna lived on Pine Island Road.

            Famous for his affordability, Skidmore charged 15 cents for a haircut and a dime for a shave. “Most barbers charge a dollar, but I could never do that,” he was quoted to say.

            Building a business was a steadfast and modest endeavor, and Skidmore the barber endeared himself to the town. His personality came out, though, in the celebrations he arranged in the village streets, especially as a drummer providing the beat for marching parades.

            According to DeCicco-Carey’s article, Skidmore organized the Mattapoisett Cornet Band before World War I, and he organized The Hobo Band before World War II.

            During World War II, putting together an assembly of musicians was difficult, but that didn’t stop Skidmore from improvising and wearing a hat with an American Flag attached as he marched through the town drumming.

            On one occasion, he raised funds for a poor widow with no insurance and oftentimes drummed just to entertain children in the town. On one October 31, he was in costume and followed by 125 children participating in the first Mattapoisett Halloween Parade. Skidmore’s fund-raising efforts helped the town band, the American Legion and a kids’ baseball team.

            Skidmore didn’t have children, but the children of Mattapoisett were near and dear to him, whether they were in his barber shop taking shelter from weather or just reading a magazine while awaiting a delivery of newspapers for their routes.

            At 75, Skidmore was widowed but still working the crowds, providing an atmosphere of positivity and celebration whenever he could. When Skidmore passed away at age 76, his barber friend Albert Morgado took over the leading drummer’s role in the parade newly sponsored by the Lions Club.

            Dick Morgado, Albert’s son, made sure to preserve Skidmore’s barber pole at the Mattapoisett Museum. His statement reads: “My Father, cut hair for 30 years in the small shop on Church Street. This barber pole had belonged to Abraham Skidmore, who cut hair in the shop before my dad. When my dad sold the shop to Jodi Bauer, he kept the pole. I am pleased now to give it to the museum for all to see.”

            What Skidmore started, the Town of Mattapoisett has felt compelled to continue.

Mattapoisett Keel Award: Abraham Skidmore

By Mick Colageo

Brad Hathaway

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To the Editor;

            If the uses of this world seem weary, flat, stale and unprofitable, and you could use a little inspiration, hie thee to Bowman Road on Saturday morning where you will encounter the irrepressible Brad Hathaway. This 92-year-old man, despite an affliction with Parkinson’s disease and thrice weekly dialysis treatments will be there, not to catalog his ills or lament his fate but to benefit others. At 10.30a.m. this unconquerable soul will grasp his walker and embark on the one-mile trek to his home on Aucoot Road, surrounded by family, neighbors and friends. That’s maybe twenty-five hundred paces, with each step requiring some effort. This is simply heroic. The walk is a fundraiser for the annual Priscilla Hathaway Art Scholarship, established by Brad and the Mattapoisett Land Trust to honor his late wife but it is really a celebration of the human spirit. So, if you feel as though you are walking in the midst of trouble come, be uplifted, and walk a mile in Brad’s shoes.

Don Cuddy, Mattapoisett

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street, celebrates Library Card Sign-up Month with a raffle for teens and adults who register for a new library card or use their existing card throughout September. The Children’s Department will also have a raffle. Current library patrons can earn one ticket per day by presenting their card, physically or digitally, at checkout. Staff will draw the winners from each pool of raffle tickets at the end of the month and notify the lucky patrons.

            Did you know your SAILS library card grants you access to more than just books and magazines? At the MFPL, you can borrow discounted museum passes, WiFi hotspots, musical instruments, various household items, and more. Your library card also allows access to eContent, such as Libby, Hoopla, Mango Languages, Niche Academy and GALE Databases. A library card has something to offer everyone in the family. Library card sign-up is easy and can be done online or in person. Ask a librarian for more information. Please call us at (508) 758-4171 or email us mfpl@sailsinc.org with any questions.

Coming in September at the Rochester Historical Society Museum

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September is coming and so are two events at the Society’s museum at 355 County Rd. The first is our monthly meeting on September 18 at 7:00. David Schafer of the Sons of the American Revolution will speak on the research that it takes to locate the graves of Revolutionary War Patriots in order to install a memorial markers.

            This is a prelude to an event on October 26 at 11:00 in the Rochester Center Cemetery to honor Thomas Bassett of Rochester who was a soldier during the Revolutionary War.

            The second event will be our annual Cranberry Bake Sale on September 28 from 10-3. Along with delicious bake goods the day will include the reopening of our current exhibit, sales of our Rochester items, a chance to upcycle jewelry and buttons and much more. More info on that as we get closer to the date.

Vergoni Keeps VASE Going Strong

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Johanna Vergoni was a student at Sippican Elementary School in the late 1980s, which were formative times for the school, its community-based support systems and students who many years later would become key volunteers.

            “I can remember VASE … and I can remember MOP, Marion Occupational Program, where we had members from the community come in and talk to our fifth and sixth graders about their jobs. I remember that when I was a kid,” said Vergoni, her emphasis on the lasting impact of those memories and lessons. “To think that we still have that tradition today, I think that really speaks to the community that we have and the individuals that we have serving and volunteering. That’s what I love about our town and our community, that we have these traditions and they continue 50 years later.”

            Vergoni’s eventual efforts to continue these traditions impressed multiple peers in a success nomination of her as recipient of the 2024 Keel Award for the Town of Marion.

            An acronym for Volunteers at Sippican Elementary (School), 50-year-old VASE is a volunteer-run, citizen’s organization that raises funds and garners supplies that enrich student life for Grades 1-6 in Marion.

            If there is a field trip, it’s a good bet that VASE was not only instrumental but essential in the fund-raising and organizational efforts that made it possible.

            “Johanna’s passion, dedication and energy are unmatched,” said Gina Hermenegildo. “Her sacrifices and efforts are done selflessly, without any need for acknowledgement. Because of this, as a parent, friend and community member, I respectfully recommend Johanna’s formal acknowledgement as a community leader.”

            A stay-at-home mother, Vergoni joined VASE when her 14-year-old daughter was in kindergarten.

            “The 2019-20 school year is when I really got involved,” said Vergoni, who began as a member at large and learned from April Nye and Christina Bonney, who were serving as president and vice president at the time. “They kind of brought me in and showed me the ropes. Really, I learned from those two, and Barbara Moody was a part of the board at that time.”

            A little involvement begets greater involvement.

            “Yeah, and that’s really how it works. That’s how it worked with me. You know, I would help, volunteer here and there, and then April said, ‘You know, you seem to enjoy this. If you like this, what do you think about being a member at large?’”

            Anyone can volunteer to participate in VASE’s after-school programs. Volunteers need not be parent to be involved. Since childhood, Vergoni’s favorite VASE event has been its holiday shop, something a student can engage and at the same time become more financially literate.

            “Now we have the high school come in, Old Rochester ambassadors, come into Sippican. They help the kids shop, they set out a budget,” she explained. “They work with the kids to say, ‘okay, this is how much money you have.’ Again, it’s not just any one person, it really is a team and a community. Everyone plays a role, and that saying, ‘it takes a village,’ it really does, and this is our village. … We offer outside of the classroom.”

            Vergoni became VASE president before the 2022-23 school year. Moody was her first vice president, and Hermenegildo serves in that role now.

            “She is by far the most organized individual I know. Then, once the activity is set up, Johanna is there, in the trenches, assisting in the event,” said Moody, citing examples, including free field trips for all Sippican Elementary students, schoolwide activities adding culture and experiences to student life, events such as a holiday shop, field days and After School Enrichment (ACE). “The Booster-thon Fun Run generates a majority of needed funds for the year, and it is Johanna who leads those on the VASE committee to accomplish this endeavor.

            “From open houses to sixth-grade, yearlong activities to playground supplies, it is Johanna who sees the need and assists in large part to organizing it. Her countless hours are to be commended. She does so without fanfare nor seeking out recognition.”

            Next year, Vergoni will miss VASE, and VASE will miss her. That’s how it goes with the committed, they make lifelong friends through their volunteerism. The more they put into the cause, the more it hurts to say goodbye.

            “This will be it because my son is a sixth-grader, so he’s going to be moving on next year to the junior high, and then I’ll be done,” said Vergoni with more than a hint of sadness. “I may go back to work, but I think that I’ll probably still be around, helping out here and there.”

Marion Keel Award: Johanna Vergoni

By Mick Colageo

Editor’s note: The Keel awards are presented in today’s issue of The Wanderer, each of the tri-towns’ recipients being recognized as a guiding force in the community.  Like the keel of a ship that keeps the vessel from capsizing, the recipients of the Annual Wanderer Keel Award will be recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping the community on an “even keel.”

Village Roads Project on 2028 TIP

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            Coming before the Mattapoisett Select Board on August 27 was Greg Russell of VHB, the engineering firm hired to help the town navigate the hundreds of steps needed to climb in order to secure TIP funding (Transportation Improvement grant monies) for its village roads redevelopment project.

            On this night, Russell addressed the current status of the project and what has transpired since the June public meeting that was held by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

            During that meeting, the DOT team discussed the 25% design as drafted by VHB with local input. It also opened up the dialog with the community by asking the residents to forward their comments and questions directly to the DOT.

            To date, 56 letters have been received, it was noted. Russell said the comments included advancing the design as currently conceived, a sidewalk on one side, implement traffic-calming measures and the consideration of underground utilities.

            The project has yet to be acted upon for the next step in the process (75% design) due to the need to incorporate such items as the hiring of an arborist to evaluate the current health of trees with a report by the end of September. Until recently, these trees were slated for removal. Also holding up the step is the question as to whether the public wishes MassDOT to consider making all or part of Water Street one-way traffic.

            That option, which had been forwarded during previous public meetings, found Select Board member Jodi Bauer digging into decades of old board minutes.

            “Back in the 1980s, the town voted to make Water Street one way – it failed,” said Bauer, noting the negative impact the action had on businesses and residents. “We should learn from the mistakes of the past.”

            Another reason why the one-way plan would prove difficult would be the routing of traffic onto narrow side streets. Russell said that upgrades of side streets would be necessary to handle the increased traffic flow. Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer was not in favor of the one-way, also citing the impact on other village roads.

            Russell said that other aspects of the project to consider included two sidewalks, bicycle accommodations, on-street parking and a wider tree belt.

            Moving forward, Russell said the town needs to identify a preferred concept to share with DOT. Further, he said it is necessary to incorporate agreed-upon design changes and resubmit an updated 25% design (anticipated in winter/spring 2025), then advance the project to the 75% design status.

            Select Board member Tyler Macallister asked that a table-top-size design be made available for public review. Another public-facing piece will now be a website exclusively for this project where information can be made available and public input received.

            On the subject of stormwater discharge, Mike Huguenin, president of the Mattapoisett Land Trust, wanted to make sure that the MS4 regulations would be part of the planning. MS4 mandates specific cleanliness of water being discharged into the sea. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco cautioned that fines may be levied against towns failing to meet the standards.

            In other matters, Lorenco said early voting is now available at Town Hall and that public input is still being sought for the Hazard Mitigation survey available on the town’s website.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced at adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

A Boston Pops Season Finale

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On Friday, August 30, the Marion Concert Band will close its 2024 season with a concert in the style of the Boston Pops Orchestra. The program, which includes a tuba soloist and selections by Boston Pops arranger Leroy Anderson and former Pops conductor John Williams, is as follows:

Montmartre March – H. Wood

Barber of Seville Overture – G. Rossini

Strike Up the Band – G. Gershwin

Tubby the Tuba – G. Kleinsinger

            Reece Ashley, tuba / Scott and Jennifer Estacio, narrators

Belle of the Ball – L. Anderson

Bugler’s Holiday – L. Anderson

Clarinet Escapade – R. Ward

John Williams: Evening at Pops – arr. J. Higgins

Mancini. – H. Mancini

Young Person’s Guide to John Williams – arr. J. Bocook

The Stars and Stripes Forever – J. P. Sousa

            Reece Ashley is an active tubist in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Along with the Marion Concert Band, Reece has performed with many ensembles, including the Washington Commanders Marching Band, the Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra, the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, the Metrowest Symphony Orchestra, the Tri Country Symphonic Band, and many more. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Tuba Performance from Rhode Island College, and is attending the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, pursuing a master’s degree in Tuba Performance.

            The concert, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00 at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion. The concert is free and open to the public. “Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

Important Election Information for Mattapoisett Voters

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The State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 3. Mattapoisett voters will cast their ballots at Old Hammondtown School which is located at 20 Shaw Street. Please be aware that at the request of school administration and local public safety officials, we are using the gymnasium instead of the cafetorium for polling. As a result, voters will be utilizing different doors to enter and exit the school. We plan to have adequate signage to assist voters with this new traffic pattern. Polls will be open at 7 am and will close at 8 pm. If you have a vote by mail or absentee ballot to return, please return it as soon as possible. Place ballots in the drop box which is located on the front lawn of Town Hall. Ballots must be received by 8 pm on September 3 to be counted. Please do not bring your early /absentee ballot to the polls on Election Day. If you have any questions regarding the election, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-758-4100 x 2 or email Town Clerk, Catherine Heuberger at townclerk@mattapoisett.net.

September Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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The Mattapoisett Library, located at 7 Barstow Street, has a few activities to keep you busy this month.

            Throughout September, the library is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month with a raffle for children, teens, and adults. To enter, patrons must register for a new library card or present their library card, digitally or physically, at checkout. Limit one raffle entry per day.

            Our next Cookbook Club meeting is scheduled for September 17 at 6:30 pm. New members are always welcome. This month, we’re reading “The Cook You Want to Be: Everyday Recipes to Impress.” Limited copies of the book are available for pickup at the library. Stop by and snag one.

            Join our new writing group on Tuesday, September 24, at 6 pm in the Marine Room. Bring your favorite writing accessories (e.g., paper, pen, computer) and get ready for the spark as ideas pop up in this creative writing session facilitated by Alanna Nelson. You’ll be on your way to creating work to submit to Sippizine, the community culture journal.

            These events are free and open to all. Check the calendar on our website for additional information and updates. If you have questions, please email mfpl@sailsinc.org or call us at (508) 758-4171.