While I know my grandfather ran the first Rochester Boat Race when my mother and uncle were teenagers, it still surprised me that this year’s race was its 91st. This made me think of other Rochester activities and organizations with longevity.
The Rochester Women’s Club existed for several years before it was incorporated in 1932 and it is active today, but there was a period of inactivity before Marcia Hartley, granddaughter of the original founder, revived it.
The Brotherhood, loosely affiliated with the First Rochester Congregational Church began in 1952. They sponsored many events, entertainments and groups, three of which (boat race, annual clam bake and scouts) continue today under the auspices of the Rochester Fire Department and the Rochester Firefighters Association, made up of current and former Fire Department members. The Brotherhood had a good run that lasted about 20 yrs.
Rochester Boy Scout Troop 31 has been active in Rochester since 1961(though it was preceded by 1950’s troop 30) which means it’s in its 64th year which is quite an accomplishment. However, it pales in comparison to the long life of the Rochester Grange.
The Rochester Grange was formed in 1906, and its building was erected in 1924. The organization celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006 which definitely gives it bragging rights as the most long- lived organization in town, though its years as a major community center have gone by. However, Grange fairs continue to attract visitors through its 119 yrs.
The Rochester Historical Society will celebrate its 56th anniversary this year and is still active (come visit us on June 18th at 7:00 pm at our museum at 355 County Rd. and at the COA fair on June 19th). Speaking of fairs, the Rochester Country Fair lasted a good 20 yrs. before weather, Triple E and Covid brought it to its knees.
Bill Watling Sr. became herring inspector in the 1950’s and began his mission of protecting the river herring and monitoring them. In 1984, the informally organized Alewives Anonymous filed as a non-profit. Alewives Anonymous is inextricably linked with the yearly boat race because both the herring and the racers need a clean, unrestricted river. Many of the same names appear on both the list of Alewives Anonymous and the boat race committee. At the head of the lists are Art Benner, all of the Watlings, Matt Buckley, Alton Ellis, Peter MacGregor, with others like Bill Taylor who help out yearly on race day.
I know I have left out churches, town sponsored activities and probably some other deserving organizations. You can let me know what I’ve missed at eshbach2@aol.com, but remember that I’ve focused on longevity. What I do know is that what ends organizations over time is usually lack of volunteers willing to do the heavy lifting, so those of us currently involved in these various groups hope that younger volunteers will help keep them going in the future.
So, thank you to all the volunteers and the Fire Department who work hard to keep the Rochester Memorial Day Boat race heading to its ninety second year.
By Connie Eshbach
