From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Over the last months I’ve written about various buildings in North Rochester; the old telephone office, the boarding house/ tavern/ private home and others. There is one that I haven’t mentioned and that is a house at 765 Snipatuit Rd. Now a private residence, it was first the site of the North Rochester Social Union.

            The North Rochester Social Union was an organization created before 1879, and its members were families from the area. At first, the group met in the homes of up to 40-50 members. However, records show two deeds from August 5, 1879. In one, Jason White sold a lot of land on Snipatuit Rd. to George F. Bartlett for a dollar. The second has Bartlett selling the land (again for $1.00) to Jason White, Allen G. Ashley, George B. Allen, Richard N. Clark, Marcus Maxim, Clarence W. Maxim and Charles Maxim.

            This group of men purchased the property for “the use and benefit” of the organization. It is not clear when the building was constructed, but it is believed that it wasn’t long after the purchase of the land. Most likely it was between 1879 and 1883. A deed from Dec. 18, 1903 mentions the existence of a building on the site.

            The North Rochester Social Union saw the building “as a place of meeting for social, recreational, charitable and patriotic uses”. While the North Rochester Social Club never officially disbanded, it more or less faded away. The hall became known simply as Union Hall, and in 1906, the Rochester Grange #257 was organized on Feb.12 and held its first meeting there. At one time, there was a move to name it Sippican Grange, but the idea was not well supported.

            The hall was described as a “small area lit by oil lamps”. There was a kitchen and dining space upstairs on the second floor. The hall had no water so when it was needed, it was brought from the neighbor, George Allen’s house. The Grange not only held meetings here but also suppers and dances to raise money for the organization. By 1923, they had enough money to build their own hall. They moved there in 1924 and are still there today.

            The last trustee of the North Rochester Social Union was Clarence W. Maxim who died in July of 1931. Before his death, he appointed three new trustees who went on to sell the land and buildings to Clara (Bennett) Rice and Mary E. Bennett for $675.00. The sisters were downsizing from their home at Bennett Farm, also in North Rochester.

By Connie Eshbach

A Job, Marriage, or the Draft

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I heard that some politicians who probably never served in the military are talking about bringing back the military draft. In the spirit of transparency, I did not serve in the military, but not for lack of trying. My father had given me six months to get a job or get married after college. With no prospects for marriage in sight, I started looking for a job, or the draft would soon be my employer.

            My friend Bob and I were the top two in our design class so it should have followed that we would have our picks of jobs after graduation. We both interviewed at one of the top design firms in the country, and it was in Boston. The owner hobnobbed with the likes of F. Lee Bailey, the famous attorney who later got O. J. Simpson off the hook and had his own helicopter. Impressive stuff. This guy, who saved O.J.’s behind, could certainly save mine from Dad or marriage or the draft.

            My interview was with his chief designer. I thought things went well, but I did not get the job, and neither did Bob. Another friend who was last in our class did. Years later, I went to work for that chief designer, who had left the highfalutin firm to start his own firm, and he told me we didn’t get hired because they liked to “mold” new designers in the boss’s image, and “Mr. Irrelevant” (a football term for the last player chosen in another draft) could be paid less.

            No design firms were begging for my services so just before graduation Bob and I and another friend Carl marched to South Station in Boston to the Army/Navy/Air Force joint recruiting station to see what our options were. Bob and Carl signed up for the Army. I opted for the Air Force. I fantasized that I might land a nice, cushy assignment at an airfield in the Bahamas mowing golf-course greens as another friend had the year before.

            The enlistment physical was at the infamous Boston Army Base, where endless lines of young men suffered the embarrassment of standing naked in the freezing exam area with hundreds of other recruits for what seemed like hours. (What is it they say about the Army, “hurry up and wait?”) Alas, at the end of the day, I was told that because of my eyesight the Air Force did not want me.

            Graduation arrived, after which I retreated to Mattapoisett, my deferment expired, to await my call from the Selective Service’s version of “Nurse Ratched,” Mrs. Stonkas, the head of the Middleboro Draft Board. Not long after, the official letter arrived. Back to the Boston Army Base for another round of prodding, poking and penetrating, subsequently to be notified that I had failed that physical as well. Confident that I could go on with my life, I began searching for employment … again.

            Yup! Another letter arrived. Back to Boston, hoping it was all a mistake since I had already failed two physicals. This time I passed!

            Back to Mattapoisett, to wait to be drafted into the United States Army. Surprise! Another letter arrived “inviting” me back to Boston for a fourth round of P.P.P. Upon arrival, I was greeted with “Are you back again?” or “Couldn’t stay away, huh?” I was now on a first-name basis with the prodders and pokers.

            This exam, including an ophthalmologist and a couple of other “gists,” resulted in my being told that my eyes were bad (no kidding!) and my albumin was dangerously high (who knew what albumin was). This time I failed for good. But, they said, I should see my personal doctor immediately.

            Dr. York, from whose wife I bought my first car, had me pee in a cup every day for a week. He declared I was fine. Who was I to question the good doctor? (He got shaves from my dad, his barber, every week, which may have influenced his diagnosis.) I was not “sick” again for 35 years.

            After basic training, Carl was sent to Army Graphics School where he worked his tail off, assuming that would get him a safe assignment somewhere stateside. He graduated first in his class and was sent to Vietnam where, he insisted, he painted naked women on airplanes.

            Bob followed Carl to Graphics School a week later. Assuming it didn’t matter how well he did, he graduated near last in the class. He spent his whole time during the war driving a Triumph convertible around London, England. I spent the rest of the war corresponding with them and feeling guilty.

            Carl came home with a Silver Star, married a piano teacher, had eight kids ranging in age from 21 to four-year-old twins and died of cancer at age 50. I ran into Bob years later in a Walmart parking lot. He had pure white hair and sported a long white beard. I was married and finally had a job.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

Harbormaster Launches New Database

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Marion Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman, Police Chief Richard Nighelli and Harbormaster Adam Murphy are pleased to share that the Marion Harbormaster’s office, a division of the Marion Police Department, has launched a new online database.

            The Town of Marion has contracted with Town Moorings to create a user-friendly online platform, which launched on March 8, to modernize and streamline the billing process. This platform also serves as a way to broadcast messages to the entire Marion boating community, such as harbor updates and storm warnings.

            “We look forward to implementing electronic account viewing and payments through this system for the convenience of our residents and our boating community,” said Town Administrator Gorman.

            Current permit holders will receive a welcome letter with a link that will direct users to create a username and password. In the coming days, if you are not a permit holder you will be able to create an account by visiting marion-ma.townmoorings.com.

            The platform provides users with an easily accessible electronic payment system and the ability to self-manage their personal and vessel information. Users will also have access to the mooring waitlist sign-up, mooring relocation application, boat increase forms, boat berth and kayak waitlist sign-up. This platform allows commercial marinas to manage all of their customers’ mooring permits to ensure accurate data for all vessels moored or stored within the Town of Marion.

            In the coming weeks, mooring inspectors will be able to update mooring permits as inspections are done. This will help streamline the inspection process and prevent late fees for late inspections. One of the most exciting functions added will be the pump-out requests. This function will capture an accurate accounting of the vessels being pumped out, and the boat owner will receive an email receipt when the services are completed.

            Permit holders can expect to receive an email with their invoices. A mailing will also be sent this year to ensure the invoices are received. If you receive an invoice by mail only, the department asks you to please update your information to verify the correct email address. Payments can be made online or by mail.

            Permit-holder payments were due on May 15.

            The information on file for current permit holders has been transferred to the new database. If any information is incorrect or outdated, permit holders are encouraged to contact the Harbormaster’s office at 508-748-3535.

            In 2023, the Marion Harbormaster became a division of the Marion Police Department following new legislation — the Police Accountability and Oversight System — by the Baker-Polito Administration. On Oct. 3, 2023, Officer Adam Murphy was appointed as Harbormaster following the recommendation of Chief Nighelli to the Select Board.

            “This new platform will streamline the process for our permit holders to electronically manage their accounts and will create an efficient way for our department to track mooring obligations, invoices, permits and more,” Harbormaster Murphy said.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Get your team together to challenge friends and neighbors in a battle of wits at the Third Annual Lizzy T Trivia Bee – Friday, April 5 at 7pm at the Marion Music Hall.  $200 for team registration, team sizes limited to 5-6 people.  Silent auction, cash bar and free table snacks available.  Spaces are limited, get your registration form at the library. All proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Taber Library.

            Storytimes for all ages, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252.

Order Gives Way to Comprehensive Project

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Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday reacted positively to a Notice of Intent application for work within the wetlands buffer zone at 532 Snipatuit Road to remove an existing houseboat and dock from the edge of the pond, demolish an existing house and construct a new, single-family home with associated site work, a new septic system, an upgraded gravel-base driveway and stone cover.

            Noting that the plan was sparked by the commission’s Enforcement Order against previous, unpermitted cleanup work there two months ago, the petitioner’s engineering consultant, Rick Charon, acknowledged there were a variety of wetlands designations on the property but described the variety of measures the design will include to earn it a permit.

            The plan, Charon said, will include removing an old rotting house and replacing an “inadequate” driveway with a new one, but it will also feature a siltation containment system and containment buoys.

“I like the design,” Commissioner Bill Milka said.

            Chairman Christopher Gerrior questioned if there would be an overlap between the work to remove the old and build the new. Charon answered he doesn’t have a timeline set but will supply one when he reaches that stage.

            Even an abutter, Steve Crawford, likes the project. He said he has been the property’s neighbor for seven years, and the old structures there used to scare him because of their hazards. “The demolition would be an improvement,” Crawford said. “The structures there were dangerous, hazardous.”

            Charon said he needed a continuance because he was waiting to hear from Natural Heritage regarding a possible requirement that the project be designed to protect the freshwater mussels in the pond.

            The commission approved member Ben Bailey’s motion to begin drafting an Order of Conditions for the project. Gerrior asked Charon to prepare a work timeline. The commission then continued the public hearing until its next meeting on April 2.

            In other action, the commission, upon the petitioner’s request, also continued to April 2 the Notice of Intent hearing for JPF Development’s plan to construct a 15-acre, self-storage facility within 100 feet of a bordering vegetated wetland at Kings Highway and 25 Cranberry Highway.

            ConCom took the unusual step of dismissing a Notice of Intent application filed for work within the 100-foot buffer zone to wetlands at 120 Snipatuit Road and to refund permit-application fees.

            The public hearing was sparked by complaints that the property owners were clearing vegetation close to a wetland pond there, Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly said. The commission learned the property is designated Agricultural and the property owners, Harrison and Kathleen Harding, raise deer there and need to clear land for them to graze on.

            The commission learned its plan to clean up the sometimes-clogged, herring-run area from Hartley Farm Pond to the start of the Rochester Boat Race and the Mattapoisett River using just hand labor and minimal equipment if possible.

            The commission met over a Zoom call with Brad Chase of Mass Marine Fisheries as a follow-up to the members’ February 10 site visit of the herring-run area. The commissioners’ conclusion after that tour was that “mat of vegetation” might soon impede the herring run there. Chase said hand labor to do that work would not need a Notice of Intent; a NOI would be needed only if equipment is used. The membership said such equipment is available to them.

            Chase said he would like to schedule an in-person visit to the site at the commission’s convenience. Town Herring Inspector David Watling said the time to do this work is July or August, when the pond is at its driest and that the group Alewives Anonymous could file the NOI for the work with the Rochester Conservation Commission. Gerrior agreed to set up the visit with Chase for around that time.

            Kelly reported that the Buzzards Bay Coalition has purchased 34 acres at 84 New Bedford Road for $1,100,000.

            The Rochester Conservation Commission will meet next on Tuesday, April 2, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Sheila A. Davidson

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Sheila A. Davidson, 72, of Mattapoisett died Thursday, March 21, 2024 after a long illness. She was the wife of James W. Davidson, Sr., with whom she shared 50 years of marriage.

            Born in New Bedford, she was raised in Mattapoisett by her mother and step-father, the late Dorothy (DeMello) Anselmo and Alexander Anselmo, and lived in town for most of her life.

            Sheila was formerly employed as a bookkeeper for Fragozo Linguica in New Bedford for many years.

            She is survived by her husband, Jim; her son, James W. Davidson, Jr. and his wife Kära; her grandson, Cooper Davidson; her brother, Bradford Anselmo; her sister, Alison Anselmo and her companion Chris Swimm and her two sons Joseph and Alex Moceri; her brother-in-law, Andy Davidson and his wife Debra; and her sister-in-law, Jane Moreau and her two sons Michael and Brett Moreau.

            In addition to her mother and step-father, she was predeceased by her father Edward Andrade.

            Her funeral service and burial in Cushing Cemetery were held privately. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sheila’s memory may be made to It’s All About The Animals, Inc., 103 Marion Rd., Rochester, MA 02770 or a charity of your choice. For the online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

FORM Concert Showcases Tri-Town Talent

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            Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Michael S. Nelson is proud to share that the district’s musicians have showcased their talent in another successful band and choral performance series.

            The Friends of Old Rochester Music (F.O.R.M.) Scholarship Concerts, hosted in the Old Rochester Regional High School gymnasium, featured the districts’ choirs on March 5 and bands on March 12. Both concerts featured students from all five schools across the districts, including Old Hammondtown, Rochester Memorial, Sippican, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School and Old Rochester Regional High School.

            The schools’ choirs sang a total of 15 songs during the March 7 concert, including “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors. The five school bands and the Old Rochester Concert Band played a total of 14 songs during the March 12 concert, including “Roar” by Katy Perry and “In Darkest Night” by Barry Kopetz.

            “This collaborative concert is a massive undertaking, and I want to recognize our talented musicians and instructors for their efforts to put on yet another incredible show,” Superintendent Nelson said. “I also thank F.O.R.M. for all the vital support they give arts throughout our districts.”

            Superintendent Nelson also expressed his gratitude to Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 staff for their tireless work in directing the concert; Richard Laprise, Angie Vaughn, Pedro Silva, Brent Alger, Susan Audette, Sarah Leahy, Kaitlin Laprise, Hannah Moore and Patricia Richard.

            Sharlene Fedorowicz, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district added, “It is wonderful to see our music programs so beloved by students as they participate in another terrific performance.”

            F.O.R.M. started in 1983 as a nonprofit volunteer organization that supports music programs of the districts. The organization works alongside the local community to fundraise for performance opportunities and purchase instruments, equipment, supplies and transportation to special events beyond the districts’ given budgets.

            For 41 years, F.O.R.M. has also awarded scholarships to high school seniors in recognition of their commitment to the arts. The Class of 2023 scholarship recipients included David Costa, Mason Hanks, Sakurako Huynh-Aoyama, Nicole Londergan, Drew MacGregor and Andrew Poulin.

            “The F.O.R.M. concert is always a heartwarming event and this year’s choral show was no exception,” said Old Rochester Regional High School Assistant Principal Vanessa Harvey. “Personally, my favorite part of the concert was the traditional closing song where all performers district-wide came together to sing. The unifying event makes me proud to be a part of a district that embraces the arts so strongly for students of all ages.”

            Additionally this spring, the ORRHS Night of Jazz will take place April 9, the ORRHS Spring Concert will take place May 8 and the ORRJHS Spring Concert will be held May 29. All events will begin at 6:30 pm.

Tour de Creme

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Mark your calendars and clear your schedule: on Sunday, May 19, the Tour de Crème bike ride returns for its 6th year. The Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail are thrilled for this year’s ride.

            Cycle from Mattapoisett through Fairhaven, Freetown, Rochester, Acushnet, Lakeville and Middleborough, stopping for a free scoop of ice cream at creameries all along the routes. Register and choose between a 9-, 22-, and 45-mile ride; the longer you ride, the more ice cream you’ll eat. Afterwards, riders join the post-ride party at Munro Park in Mattapoisett for even more ice cream, food, live music and cold beverages. This is not a race, and riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.

            Registration is open until May 12, and rides tend to fill up quickly, so visit tourdecreme.org to register and learn more.

            Not interested in riding? There are many different volunteer opportunities available; visit the volunteer page of the website to sign up. Fund-raising is also encouraged for riders and non-riders alike. This fantastically fun event is a fund-raiser for the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail who work to improve and expand hiking and biking trails throughout Mattapoisett.

OCTC Easter Egg Hunt

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Please join us for our first Old Colony Theater Company Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 24 from 1-3, Rain date, Saturday, March 30. The event will be at Old Colony High School, 476 North Ave, Rochester. Egg Hunt by Age Groups, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games with prizes and a Bake Sale. The cost is $10 per family.

Definitive Subdivision Granted Waivers

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On March 18, the Mattapoisett Planning Board met with one applicant seeking approval with waivers for the creation of a three-lot Definitive Subdivision off 112 Mattapoisett Neck Road filed by Gaynor and Phillip Frost. The applicants were represented on this night by Ken Motta of Field Engineering, pinch-hitting for the vacationing David Maddigan, Jr.

            Motta explained that all elevations for the planned development of Lot 2 would remain unchanged and that the lot would be serviced by a shared 350×24-foot private driveway. The driveway plan had been reviewed by the Police and Fire Departments and found to be acceptable as presented, Motta stated.

            Motta also confirmed that wetlands on the property are isolated wetlands, therefore rendering them nonjurisdictional. He said that the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission had reviewed a Request for Determination of Applicability, giving the RDA filing a negative determination.

            Waivers granted thus far were: no staking required, no drainage calculation, no soil survey, no concrete driveway, no sidewalks and no paved turnaround.

            The board ruled not to take any action at this time in the matter of a roadway trust. That matter will be determined at the next meeting. They also ruled that two permanent markers are required for the roadway located at the southwest corner and a second at the northeast corner.

            The filing was continued until May 6.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, April 1, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell