Robert R. “Kirk” Coykendall

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Robert R. “Kirk” Coykendall, 74, of Marion, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 28, 2019 after a nine-month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of Judith (Replogle) Coykendall.

            Born in Seattle, WA. he was the son of the late William E. and Dorothy (Barlow) Coykendall.  Mr. Coykendall was raised in Riverside CT and moved to Marion in 1961. A graduate of Nichols College in 1967 with a degree in Business Administration, he was a Chartered Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual for 40 years. Prior to moving back to Marion in 1979, Kirk owned and operated the High & Dry Restaurant and Ski Lodge in Waitsfield, VT where he was well known for his large Thanksgiving Dinners that welcomed everyone who had nowhere else to spend the holiday. He believed in community service and served as a devoted member of the Board of Directors of the Southcoast YMCA for 22 years.

            Always the athlete, Kirk enjoyed many decades of skiing with his friends and family. He was also an avid bicyclist who completed the Flattest Century ride 26 times participating in his last 100 mile ride in 2017 at the age of 72. Perhaps Kirk’s greatest love was the sea and he was happiest when out on his boat on Buzzards Bay. He was truly a man who was larger than life with his loud booming voice, contagious laughter, and fun-loving spirit. He had an enormously loving heart and a generous spirit and loved and was loved by so many. Always first and foremost a family man, Kirk loved and cared for his wife and children with unwavering devotion. He was an oyster eating, bike and boat loving, vibrant, spirited man. May we all learn from his zeal for life.

            He is survived by his wife; his son, Joshua Coykendall and his wife Camille of Wesley Chapel, FL; his daughter, Kristin Gilzean and her husband Jonathan of Winthrop, MA; his grandchildren, Jonathan Numrungroad, Grace Coykendall, Evan and Zoe Gilzean; his brother, Frederick Coykendall and wife Maureen and their children; his nephew Sean Goddard; his sister, Carol Reed; and his sister-in-law Eliza Gifford. He was predeceased by his sister, the late Nancy Goddard.

            A Celebratory Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 24th at 9:30 am at Silvershell Beach in Marion.

            Donations in Kirk’s memory may be made to Southcoast Visiting Nurse and Hospice, or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org. For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Arabelle Davoll

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Arabelle Davoll, 89, of Rochester died Monday, July 29, 2019 at her home.  She was the wife of Ernest J. Davoll.

            Born in Union, ME, she was the daughter of the late Lennie S. and Marion L. (Thurston) Burns. She moved to Massachusetts in 1950 and was a longtime resident of Rochester. Mrs. Davoll was bookkeeper for Quality Carpentry, her husband’s business for many years. She also worked as a lunch lady at Rochester Memorial School and Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical School.

            She loved sports and wallpapering, and loved birds, especially cardinals and hummingbirds.

            Survivors include her husband; her children, Ernest, Jr. of Rochester, Monica of Norwood, Victor of Ocala, FL, and Warren of Ashfield. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings, the late Arlene, Chester, Lennie and Reginald.

            A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Rochester Congregational Church, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester at 12:30 pm. Interment will follow in Rochester Center Cemetery, Dexter Lane, Rochester.

            Donations in her memory may be made to Mass. Commission for the Blind, ATTN: Fiscal Dept., 600 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111. For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

The British Invasion (Music from Across the Pond)

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The Marion Concert Band continues its summer concert series with a program of music from the British Isles on Friday, August 2. The program features several classic British Brass Band pieces as well as music of the Yardbirds, the Kinks, Petula Clark, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and the Beatles. There may even be an appearance by members of the Cape Cod British Car Club, LTD (CCBCC). The program is as follows:

Colonel Bogey – K. J. Alford

Second Suite in F for Military Band – G. Holst

            Eric Drew, guest conductor

Concerto for Clarinet – K. Kurpinski

            Tony Borges, clarinet

English Suite – C. Grundman

Prelude, Siciliano & Rondo – M. Arnold

Sarabande (from Solitaire) – M. Arnold

Pop and Rock Legends: The Beatles – arr. M. Sweeney

Irish Tune from County Derry – P. Grainger

British Invasion: Hits of the 60’s – arr. J. Vinson

Doctor Who: Through Time and Space – M. Gold

The British Are Coming – arr. J. Bocook

Knightsbridge March – E. Coates 

            Guest conductor Eric Drew is an award-winning musician and educator with over a decade of experience leading student and adult ensembles. He performs regularly as a trumpet player with the Narragansett Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Marion Concert Band. Born in Rhode Island, Eric earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine and a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from Indiana State University. He has taught in public schools in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and is currently the Director of Bands at Curtis Corner Middle School in South Kingstown, RI.

            Tony Borges is a retired Army musician and most recently a music teacher. After 37 years of service as a U.S. Army musician in the Army National Guard, retired in 2006 at the rank of Warrant Officer 1. He has performed as principal clarinet with the 18th U.S. Army Band, the 88th Army Band, the 215th Army Band, and the 1st Continental Army National Guard Band. He is the principal clarinetist with St. Cecilia Philharmonic Band of Fall River, the principal clarinetist with the Legion Band in Plymouth, and has also performed with the Tri-County Symphonic Band, the Melbourne Municipal Band in Florida, and the Central Florida Winds. He has been a member of the Marion Concert Band since 2015.

            The Cape Cod British Car Club, LTD (CCBCC) is a Massachusetts not-for-profit corporation whose membership annually exceeds 250. While members come from all over the world, most members are residents of southern New England. CCBCC members enjoy driving and displaying their English automobiles. Throughout the year the CCBCC participates in events and raises funds for scholarship purposes. Annually the club provides scholarships to automotive and auto body students at the Upper Cape Regional Technical School, the South Plymouth High School and the Cape Cod Regional Technical School. The club also provides funds towards a specific scholarship program available to Falmouth High School students. 

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

Celebrate Elizabeth Taber Publicity Committee

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To the Editor:

            The Celebrate Elizabeth Taber Publicity Committee, a sub-committee of the Celebrate Elizabeth Taber Statue Committee, extends sincere thanks to Tim Sperry, Eric Strand, and Esmeralda Braga for their support enabling the Elizabeth Taber themed float to participate in the Marion Fourth of July parade. Thanks also to Patty Nicholson for the loan of her van to transport shrubs, Frank McNamee for the loan of the infamous pipe, and Peter Stone for driving the float. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Town of Marion for hosting, organizing, and ensuring safety for this community celebration that is enjoyed by so many. 

Amanda Stone, Marion

            The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wandererwill 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 Wandererreserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderermay choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wandererhas the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wandereralso reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Fun is in the Air at Super Duper Fun Fair

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            When it comes to good old-fashioned fun, nothing beats the setting of the middle of Main Street during the First Congregational Church of Marion’s Annual Super Duper Fun Fair.

            The event brings life and color to the village of Marion every year with its flower sale, colorful spines of the books stacked for the book sale, face painting, bright umbrellas, and kiddie games like knocking down cans with a ball, mini golfing, “fishing” in the little blue pool, and, of course, the big dunk tank.

            On Saturday, July 27, tables beneath the big tent on the church lawn were lined with baked goods, “cake pops” arranged like a virtual rainbow, antiques, and artwork for sale – all to raise funds for the church’s activities.

            It’s also the best place that weekend to buy yourself a lobster roll, or so say the people who return every year while yet another generation enjoys a taste of the joys of summertime in Marion.

By Jean Perry

Somerville, J. Deane

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Somerville, J. Deane passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at his home in Marion, MA, at the age of 94. 

His greatest source of happiness and pride was his nearly 60-year marriage to Janice Hesse, and the family they created together. They met in 1949 while both were vacationing with their families on Cape Cod. Deane adored his “bride” and doted on her until her death in 2009. They spent their years laughing, traveling, and dancing every chance they got. 

As newlyweds, Jan and Deane settled in Wellesley where they started their family and built lifelong friendships. Deane is survived by his three children Jay, Linda, and Kurt Somerville, their spouses Kathy Somerville and Kendra Chencus Somerville, as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful brother to Nan Blowney, brother-in-law to the late Evelyn and Arthur Coughlan, and uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jan and Deane were both happiest by the water and especially loved hosting family and friends at their home in Marion, MA where they began spending summers in 1959 and moved permanently in 1990. Deane loved sailing, golf, family gatherings, and putting on old clothes to tackle endless house chores. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to sail, raise the flag, and drive a car long before their feet could reach the pedals. He will be remembered for his easy smile, care and respect for others, and light footwork on the dance floor.

Never one to sit idle, Deane made the most of every moment. He was born to the late Rae and Martha Somerville and spent his childhood in Quincy, MA. He attended Boston University at night while working during the day at the insurance firm OBrion, Russell & Co. He spent his entire 53-year career there, starting in the mailroom and rising to become Senior Managing Partner of the firm. Deane stayed on as Chairman of the Board when the company was sold to Alexander & Alexander of Massachusetts, Inc. Throughout his life, Deane gave generously of his time, serving on numerous boards, clubs, and charitable organizations.


A memorial gathering will be held at The Kittansett Club at 11 Point Road, Marion, MA on Friday, August 23, 2019 at a time to be announced. More information can be found on the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home website (www.ccgfuneralhome.com). In lieu of flowers, donations in Deane’s memory may be made to two charities that were important to him: The Sippican Lands Trust, P.O. Box 848, Marion MA 02738 or The Home for Little Wanderers, 10 Guest Street Boston, MA 02135.

Mattapoisett’s Earliest Days

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            There is probably no one better suited and able to discuss the history of Mattapoisett than Seth Mendell, a local historian who has deep family roots in the community. Consider also that Mendell’s father Charles was an early member of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, AKA the Whaling Museum, and a founding member of the Mattapoisett Historical Society Museum. Mendell himself spent 33 years teaching history and has researched early New England history for many decades; it’s easy to say he has earned the right to be called Mattapoisett’s historian.

            But more than that, Mendell is a storyteller. His ability to keep his audience transfixed as he explains historical details – material that might run dry in other hands but flows easily and engagingly from one century to the next when shared by Mendell.

            On July 23 at the Mattapoisett Museum, Mendell gave his first of seven lectures that will detail the founding of the Tri-Town area with a heavy emphasis on Mattapoisett through the 1950’s. On this night he laid the cornerstones from which each successive lecture will be built. And you will be entertained while being educated by a master.

            As the story unfolds, we find Mattapoisett, Wareham, and Marion part of Rochester. They were known as the Lands of the Sippican. The area would be settled primarily by British people, Puritans, and those seeking freedom to worship. As Mendell explained, these people were not impoverished; they were people with means and an ambition to create a better life.

            When the opportunity to purchase land from the Bay Colony, the center of commerce, and after the Wampanoags had been vanquished, three families saw investment potential. Those families were the Hammonds, Barlows, and Dexters. They created the Planation of Mattapoisett. The Hammonds settled west of the Mattapoisett River, the Barlows around what is today Park Street, and the four Dexter brothers to the east in the Pine Island and Crescent Beach area.

            Mendell talked about the industrious nature of early people, saying, “They got right to work clearing lands, building homes …” and everything else to sustain themselves. Around town today one will find the ruins of mills where the water still flows and where giant water wheels once turned, cutting and grinding tools for the making of wooden planks and corn grinding. You’ll also find streets named after the early settlers.

            But the population grew and people wanted their center of government and worship closer to home. Rochester was large, encompassing Wareham, Marion, and Mattapoisett, but the church was situated at what is today Plumb Corner in Rochester. By 1739, Wareham had split off, followed by Marion in 1852 and Mattapoisett in 1857.

            Mendell spoke of the wars Britain engaged in with the French who attempted time and again to push through from Canada where they had a firm toehold. Red Coats were dispatched to the colonies, but the locals were also conscripted, and the resulting events caused disruption for those engaged in peaceful and prosperous commercial pursuits.

            Another problem facing the commerce of the early merchants were pirates. These rascals plagued the colonialists and were also responsible for disrupting the economics of the area. The British government captured the pirates and hung them, but the colonialists had suffered.

            “To add insult to injury, the French took their privateers and raided their ships,” Mendell said.

            Time marched on and by 1737 there were 52 families in the village of Mattapoisett. They nestled in little enclaves with names like Tinkhamtown, Hammondtown, Randalltown, Wolf Island, Brandt Island, Cannonville, and Aucoot.

            By 1752, the first professional shipbuilders arrived.

            “That was the beginning of Mattapoisett becoming a shipbuilding town,” Mendell said, ending his story there almost like a cliff hanger, saying, “Next week we’ll pick up from there,” hinting that more trouble lay ahead for our Mattapoisett settlers come the Revolutionary War.

            A full schedule to Mattapoisett Museum events, including Mendell’s lectures and walking tours, can be found at www.mattapoisettmuseum.org.

By Marilou Newell

Rochester Historical Society Yard Sale

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Do you have any useful items you no longer need? The Rochester Historical Society is having a yard sale on Saturday, August 31at the museum, 355 County Road, Rochester, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. No electronics or clothing please. If you have any items, drop off dates at the museum are as follows: Friday, July 26 from 10:30 am – Noon; Friday, August 2 from10:30 am – Noon or August 27 from 10:30 am – Noon. To schedule other drop off dates, call Connie Eschbach at 508-763-4932.

Marion Scholarship Fund

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To enhance the education of Marion students, the Town of Marion has two funds. Both funds are supported entirely by donations of generous Marion residents.

            The Scholarship Fund awards money to deserving Marion students as they head off to their first year of college. Applicants are asked to submit their transcripts, a list of extra-curricular activities and community service, and letters of recommendations. This year the Scholarship Committee received 13 applications and made the very hard decision as to whom to award the scholarship. If sufficient funds are available, multiple award winners are named.

            The Educational Fund contributes money to the Sippican Elementary School for items that are not covered under regular budget line items, but have been requested by teachers. This year we funded a special cart for overnight storage and charging of Chrome Book computers. This is an essential component to make full use of the computers which are an important part of the students’ curriculum.

            Whether writing a check, bringing in the loose change on your dresser, having a lemonade stand or a yard sale, we are grateful to you for your help. When you make your donation, in any amount, please specify which fund you would like your donation to go to: Scholarship Fund or Educational Fund.

            All donations should be addressed to the Marion Scholarship Fund, 2 Spring Street, Marion MA 02738. 

            Marion Scholarship Fund Committee: S. Cook, J. LeFavor, C. Pierce, M. Soden, D. White (Superintendent of Schools)

ConCom Continues Two ANRADs

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            The Rochester Conservation Commission meeting on July 16 was relatively routine with several approvals and a couple continuances for the public hearings for two Abbreviated Notice of Determination of Applicability (ANRAD) applications for two lots with the potential for solar array fields.

            The first ANRAD filed by Joe Harrison, SunRaise Investments LLC, for property located at 0 Braley Hill Road, is to confirm 2,900 linear feet of the bordering vegetated wetland boundary. The property owners are Lisa Holden, Trustee, Aquidneck Nominee Trust and Ann Poland.

            Evan Watson from Prime Engineering performed some quick adjustments to the application at the request of Chairman Michael Conway, then went into some details about the topography of the land and its jurisdiction of the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP).

            Watson explained that at this point he does not need to file with the NHESP until an actual project is proposed for the site.

            Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon asked the commission to continue the public hearing until August 20 to allow her time to walk the expansive wetland line to inspect the flagging and then address any subsequent modifications and adjustments that could result from the inspection.

            The second ANRAD filed by SunRaise Investments LLC, for property located at 0 Featherbed Laneis to confirm 5,423 linear feet of bordering vegetated wetland boundary. The property owners are Bradford D. and Ruth C. Correia.

            Farinon again asked to continue this similar application until August 20 given the length of the wetland line to be inspected.

            In other matters, the commission gave a Negative determination (no Notice of Intent filing required) for a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) filed by Hartley Beach Trust care of Patricia Corwin for 90 Snow’s Pond Road. The purpose is to improve and maintain the existing driveway by adding gravel fill to even out the surface and fill potholes. Farinon called it a “pretty straightforward project.”

            The commission approved an RDA filed by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for 45 Kings Highway for the relocation of the existing lead track into the building, the installation of a switch and second track into the building, installation of two tracks with bumping posts out the back of the building to the edge of the paved area, and the relocation of the existing mainline crossover to the west of the facility.

            Farinon said she found no issues with the delineation of the wetlands line and added, “I think it was well done,” finding no impacts to nearby wetlands.

            The commission approved an Order of Conditions for the Notice of Intent filed by Nicholas Araujo for property located at Old Schoolhouse Road to construct a single-family house with the proposed house, well, and septic system located outside the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone. Some grading within the buffer zone will be required as part of the installation of the septic leaching area. Minimal tree clearing is proposed within the buffer zone behind the dwelling to provide a yard area. A small trench will be dug for the installation of electrical conduit located down the center of the existing driveway and backfilled to existing grades. Erosion control measures will be implemented.

            A representative from Farland Corporation explained some changes to the original plan submitted onJune 18, including the addition of a masonry stone and wood fence and some further clearing of some pine trees to then be replaced with new maple and elm trees.

            Farinon said the applicant had addressed the concerns from the prior meeting – a trench for an electricity line and the removal of a stockpile at the driveway entrance.

            “Those were really the outstanding issues,” said Farinon. Furthermore, she stated, the RDA provides a “realistic yard area,” as she put it, “Which I think is great. This is realistic as far as having enough usable area around the house.” She then added, “I think you’ve done a good job showing … a better picture of what the project is and how those wetlands will be protected.”

            The pubic hearing for an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) filed by SWEB Development USA, LLC for property located on 0 Marion Road to confirm 3,850 linear feet of bordering vegetated wetland boundary was continued until August 6 at the request of the applicant. The property owner is Rochester Farms, LLC.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for August 6 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Jean Perry