Looking through pictures, newspaper articles and scrapbooks, it is apparent that in the past the people of Rochester have always supported the various organizations in town and those organizations have supported each other. The Women’s Club met at the Men’s Club and at the First Rochester Congregational Church before they had their own building. The Boy Scouts and the Brotherhood were also both supported by the Church and the Brotherhood could not have put on its shows and concerts without the Rochester Grange. The Grange for many years was the location for many town events including graduations.
I am happy to say that this co-operation and collaboration continues today. Last year the Rochester Boy Scout Troop was integral to the success of our Historic Weekend and just this past Saturday, the Rochester Land Trust stepped in to save the day. We had originally planned to be in front of George Church’s Museum, because in addition to the sale, we were kicking off our upcoming exhibit: “The Tools and Industries That Made Rochester.” The museum which George had founded to preserve tools used in early Rochester industry, especially sawmills, seemed like a fitting spot. However, when we had to change our location, the Land Trust instantly offered us the use of George’s Pony Pasture, one of their properties.
It was a perfect spot, near the sunken garden and in the shade for most of the day. Members of the Land Trust baked and shopped at our bake sale and bought tickets at the raffle. We want to thank them as well as all the others who did the same. I want to thank the Rochester Historical Society members who answered the call with their bake goods and donations. It looks like we have baked our way out of the financial hole caused by recent unavoidable electrical work. Ah, the joys of maintaining an historic building. Fingers crossed that all stays well.
The Land Trust and the Historical Society share a common goal and that is preservation. They work to preserve open spaces, and we work to preserve our history. Both of these were goals that were of primary importance to both Katherine and George. Working together, we hope to honor their wishes.
A special thanks to Lorraine Vaughan for the abundant and delicious baked goods that she made for the bake sale. They were greatly appreciated and helped us work toward our financial goal.
By Connie Eshbach
