Swing dancing to a live, big band will provide the theme for a 1940s-style fundraiser to be held on Friday, October 13, by the Sippican Historical Society for the Rosbe Education Fund.
Established three years ago by Judith Rosbe, a member of the Sippican Historical Society since 1978, the Rosbe Education Fund exists to further education of Marion’s history among local high school and college students. The fund has produced scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,250. Recent recipients include Emma Williamson, Jamie MacKenzie and Laurel Alpaugh, two Old Rochester Regional seniors and a college intern who worked this past summer at the society.
“It’s a very important, meaningful fundraiser, not only raising funds for students but educating our students as to our (town’s) history. It’ll be a lot of fun and a good way to bring the community together,” said Johanna Vergoni, who is serving as chair of the committee, organizing the event for the society.
The backdrop will be the Sippican Tennis Club on Holmes Street, and education will be served not with tennis balls but informal lessons in swing dancing so that participants in this fundraiser can engage and enjoy it to the maximum.
In tandem with the Sippican Historical Society’s 60th anniversary, the fundraiser event is a canteen-style party stemming from a tradition that goes back to the activities of the United Service Organizations (USO), famous for entertaining World War II soldiers and feeding them sandwiches and milk.
“We won’t be just serving sandwiches and milk,” clarified Vergoni.
The 21-piece Compaq Big Band will perform beginning at 7:00 pm (the event starts at 6:30 pm and ends at 10:00 pm), and the $125 ticket also includes swing dancers on site to teach and guide participation, along with an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres.
“These guys really do this sort of thing for fun, not to make money but because they love the music, that era. … They play at fundraisers, community events, and they’re really very good,” said Vergoni.
History displays, photos and news information from the Sippican Historical Society archives will highlight WWII soldiers from Marion, snippets from that period and just everyday life of the era. Known for its clay tennis courts, the more-than-century-old Sippican Tennis Club has indoor facilities, including a stage inside the hall for the band and a large porch where people can meet.
“It’s the first time that we’re running the event,” said Vergoni. “We’re hoping to make it an annual fundraiser.”
By Mick Colageo