It was January 25, 1967 when the founding members of the Rochester Historical Society (RHS) met for the very first time inside the North Avenue home of Judy and James Gurney. The group of ten history buffs, “residents interested in studying and preserving the historical background of the town,” as it stated in its very first meeting minutes, were mostly Rochester housewives who caught the history bug after researching their own historical houses and others in town. Two years later in 1969, just as scores of hippies flocked to Woodstock and mankind placed its first foot on the moon, they had the Historical Society incorporated as an official non-profit.

            Now, 300 years after the town was settled and decades after the birth of the Rochester Historical Society, the group that has been preserving Rochester history is making history by planning a big bash for September to celebrate its golden anniversary.

            On Saturday, September 14, at 11:00 am, the RHS is hosting a party/reunion with a special lunch, array of raffles, live ambient music, and some other treats that are still in the works.

            In addition to the party, the RHS has partnered with the Rochester Land Trust to co-sponsor a fun photo contest titled “Fields, Forests, or Bogs of Rochester.” Anyone from any town and of any age is welcome to submit one original 5X7 color or black & white photo of a scene taken in Rochester. The rules are that the photo submission must be an original work created without the use of Adobe Photoshop or other photo enhancement software and cannot be matted or framed. Photo entries must be submitted by August 1 and accompanied by the following information on the back of the photo: Name, address, phone number, age bracket (Youth – 18 and under, or Adult – 19 or over), and the location where the photo was taken.

            The photos will be on display at the Rochester Historical Society’s station at the Rochester Country Fair, and will be voted on by Country Fair attendees until 1:00 pm on the final day of the fair, Sunday, August 11.

            Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each age group in the amounts of $75 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place.

            Entries should be snail-mailed to the RHS, PO Box 322, Rochester, MA, 02770. All photographs entered will become the property of the RHS and the RLT.

            Tickets for the Saturday, September 14, 50th Anniversary Party/Reunion are $20, which includes lunch and, of course, cake. The event will be held at the Rochester Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Please RSVP by August 19 by contacting the RHS. Tickets will not be available at the door. Checks payable to “RHS” may be mailed to PO Box 322, Rochester, MA, 02770.

            The dozen or so devoted board members of the Rochester Historical Society are dedicated to continuing the work of the RHS for another 50 years, but they need help if they are to keep the tradition alive. Consider becoming a member of the Rochester Historical Society and ensure the future of preserving Rochester’s History.

            The annual Rochester Historical Society dues for membership are $12 for an Individual membership and $20 for a Family membership. The RHS also accepts donations.

            Prospective members, donors, or anyone interested in Rochester Historical Society events may contact the RHS by sending an email to rochestermahistoricalsociety@gmail.com or by calling Betty at 508-763-2724 or Sue at 508-295-8909.

By Jean Perry

            The Fishing Heritage Center at 38 Bethel Street, New Bedford, is just across the historic cobblestone street from the historic Whaling Museum. Under Executor Director Laura Orleans, the center is dedicated to telling the story of the fishing industry – past, present, and future – through exhibits, programs, and educational archives. Its location and presence is appropriately on the same street as the Seamen’s Bethel for whalers who went down to the ships.

            A visit to the center is a trip back in time for several centuries that could be called a tale of three cities – the first one a whaling city, then a textile manufacturing city, and finally a commercial fishing city. The occupational saga has a happy ending as being the number-one wealthiest port in the nation.

            The fishing fleet today is roughly the same size as it was during the whaling era. There are some 500 ships of local and south coast ownership residing in Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, Wareham, and Cape Cod. However, there are also an additional 2,000 boats, both visiting, fishing, and mooring from other distant ports, some as far away as Texas.

            New Bedford annually processes 145 million pounds of product with $241 million in direct sales with more than 35 seafood wholesale and processing plants. It has a total yearly economic activity of about $1 billion. The industry owes its success to its proximity to George’s Bank, an underwater shoal larger than all of Massachusetts. Before the rising seas of melting glaciers at the end of the ice age, it was part of the American mainland. Now it is a lucrative feeding ground for cod, flounder, lobster, and, especially, scallops.

            The industry attracted workers from other parts of the world, including Norway and Newfoundland, and a wave of Portuguese labor. The Portuguese especially provided the knowhow of harvesting and processing the catch, as well as efficient technological development to the fleet. 

            For the second consecutive year, Orleans has planned a ‘Seafood Soiree” in lieu of the annual working waterfront fundraiser. It is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, at the Wamsutta Club in the James Arnold Mansion. Last year, more than 150 in attendance enjoyed the bounty of the sea prepared by the best seafood gourmet chefs in our area. Cocktail hour is from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm and will feature music by Hot Club Cheese Roll Band, sushi from Turk’s Seafood, and mini lobster rolls by Oxford Creamery, both of Mattapoisett.

            From 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm, signature seafood appetizers will be offered as well by the same chefs. From 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, a local radio personality will auction items ranging from Red Sox tickets to a scallop dinner for four in the galley of a working vessel. A complimentary glass of champagne and a cash bar will round out the evening. For all this, tickets are just $75.

            Entry to the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is free of charge, and they are open Thursday -Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Volunteers are needed and welcome for almost all functions and activities. Call 508-993-8894 or email info@fishingheritagecenter.org for information. Or, just come to help celebrate the annual recognition of our historic fishing heritage while enjoying the seafood cuisine prepared for you by gourmet chefs.

By George B. Emmons

            By 8:00 am on July 4, the streets leading south from Route 6 to Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett were beginning to show signs that something big was about to take place. By 8:30 am, nearly every available parking space was filled and the sidewalks and streets were swarming with people in a festive mood. Adrenaline mixed with barking dogs, laughing people cheerily greeting one another, and, oh yes, the occasional crying baby, filled the salt air. It was almost time for the 49^thAnnual Mattapoisett July 4th Road Race.

            Down at Shipyard Park, last minute entries were driving up the number of those who would run, walk, and, in several cases, stagger over the finish line. It was hot, and, without a cloud or breeze, the weather would prove to be a challenge for the racers.

            Volunteers feverishly cut up hundreds of pounds of fruit and filled tubs with ice and bottled water. The chilled refreshments for race participants would soon be ready.

            After Old Rochester Regional High School graduate Chelsea Nectow sang the Star-Spangled Banner to perfection, cheers roared as race officials prepared for the ‘ready-set-go.’ Eagerrunners, toes to the start line, patiently stood sweating with arms ready to pump and legs ready to sprint. Then it was “Go,” and they were off. Five hot miles sizzled under their feet.

            In the front of the pack were runners who qualified for the position with either 30 minutes for males or 32 minutes for females. Then came all the other runners and, finally, the walkers and those participating while pushing a carriage.

            At 26.01 minutes, the crowds lining Water Street announced the first runner was coming. Trevor Wysong of Taunton, 21, was the winner. The first woman was 23-year-old Mattapoisett resident Olivia Mondo clocking in at 31:25.

            Mattapoisett’s local running celebrity Geoff Smith, 65, crossed the finish line at a respectable 39:44 minutes.

            The youngest participants were those in the baby carriages, but of those who could actually run and registered to do so were two 6-year olds, Magnus Redsicker of Lansing, New York with a time of 53:09 minutes, and Finn Poulos of Mattapoisett with 59:57 minutes.

            Colby Rottler, “70-something,” a well-known local resident, board member, and chef, did himself proud with a time of 1:07:08. Before the race began, Rottler told The Wanderer, “I’ve been doing this off and on for about 20 years.” He added, “You meet a lot of nice people; you see families and friends; it’s a nice, healthy exercise.” As far as the exercise part goes, Rottler has yet to convince his family; he has always run it alone while they cheer him on from the sidelines.

            The most senior participant on this day was 85-year-old Larry Cole of Harwich. He said it was his tenth year coming to Mattapoisett, and every weekend he runs a race. His training schedule includes running five days a week. Cole is a former member of the Army’s 7^thDivision 5^thRCT and was in Korea between 1953-54. (Thank you for your service, Mr. Cole.)

            With 2019 Road Race stats now in the digital record book, Dan White, the race mayor, and the race committee can focus on next year. A grand celebration is in the early planning stages, White said, for the race’s 50^thanniversary. He said that it would be an opportunity to recognize the hundreds of volunteers who work so hard to make the event possible.

            White shared that Donald Linhares has volunteered for 49 years, Ed Walsh and Ken Paste for 35 years, and Barry and Susan Perkins for 25 years. Sponsor and Mattapoisett resident Bob Brack has been a supporter for 20 years helping to defray the cost for the popular race t-shirts. Brack also ran the race over 20 times.

            The history of the race is one of a community coming together. White said that back in the late 1980’s, “The original race organizers Bob and Doris Gardner and Betty and Gerry Olivia asked the newly formed ORR Alumni Association if they could take over the race. My wife Holly and I were involved with the association – we said yes.” He said that for 10 years they directed the race, stepping down in 2009. Bill Tilden stepped in as race director and White remains a vital contributor as course director and this year was the “mayor.”

            Throughout the years, as the race has grown in popularity and importance to the community, the core philosophy of the organizers has remained the same, White stated: “One-hundred percent of all proceeds are for awards to graduating students who are running enthusiasts headed to college.” The organization itself is a non-profit under the ORR School district athletics program. As for the community’s support, White said, “The Town of Mattapoisett is our biggest supporter.”

            To view all the race results visit www.racewire.com.

By Marilou Newell