From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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On August 20 at the Rochester Historical Museum, there was a joint meeting of the Rochester Historical Society and the Rochester Historical Commission. The purpose of the meeting was to kick off a project that will culminate in 2026 for the nation’s 250th anniversary. For a rainy evening, the meeting was pretty well attended.

            The project is to gain information about the many Rochester men who participated in the Revolutionary War and hopefully, to document their final resting place with a photo. We handed out lists of the Rochester soldiers and sailors from the rolls of the state archives. The lists that can be found in the back of the book “Mattapoisett and Old Rochester” were compiled in a joint effort by James L. Hammond and Mary Hall Leonard. The names are presented with the caveat that there may well be more added with the passage of time.

            One way to participate in our project, “The Search to Find and Honor Rochester’s Revolutionary Veterans,” would be to pick a name or names from the list and then to look for a grave to match. Because the same names were used over and over (fathers, sons, nephews, etc.), you want to make sure that the birth/death dates coincide with an age that would fit with being a soldier between 1775 and 1783.

            Once you have a name, there are quite a few ways that you can find information. Being less of a “techie” and more of a “bookie” (not the taking bets kind), I started at Plumb Library. The library has a collection of encyclopedia type books where the names of Massachusetts Revolutionary veterans are listed in alphabetical order with their town, rank, company and service. The same name may appear 2 or 3 times in a row as men signed up, served days or months, went home and then signed up again.

            For example, Levi Gurney, Rochester, Private, was in Capt. Seth Briggs’ Company which marched “on the Alarm of April 19, 1776.” His service was for 4 days. However, he served again with Capt. Edward Sparrow’s Co., Capt. John Gibbs’ Co. and Capt. Elijah Baker’s Co. This can all be found in the books at the library.

            There are also several web sites that provide good information and go into greater detail. We have a list of them at the Historical Society. One that I used without much difficulty was the MA, Rev War Index Cards to Muster Rolls, 1775-1783. This also connected me to Family Tree which gave me information on parents, siblings, wives and children. It asks for a birth date. but when I didn’t have one, I put in a possible year (I picked 1745) and a name that matched my search came up with the correct year.

            For anyone interested, we have packets that contain the lists, websites and likely cemeteries. They will be available at our next meeting on September 17 at the Museum, 355 County Road at 7:00 pm. Bruce Bassett will be our speaker and will share how he found his Revolutionary War ancestor in the Rochester Center Cemetery (originally called the 1st Parish Cemetery). Remember that until the middle of the 1800’s, Marion and Mattapoisett were sections of the town of Rochester, so some of our veterans may well be buried in cemeteries that are in either of those towns.

            If you would like to get started on a search before September 17, you can contact me at eshbach2@aol.com or call 617-750-2818 or 508-763-4932. If you have already researched and found a Revolutionary War ancestor of your own, I hope you will share your findings with us.

By Connie Eshbach

Dora Kate (Vollgraff) Doubrava

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Dora Kate (Vollgraff) Doubrava, 96 of Mattapoisett, MA, died peacefully at her home on August 25, 2025. Dora Kate was born in then-rural Lake Grove, New York. Depending on whether she or her twin brother was telling the story, she was the fourth or fifth of the six Vollgraff children. She grew up in the house adjacent to her grandparent’s farm on Hawkins Avenue, the street named for her extended family.

            As she would say, Dora Kate was a lot of name for a little girl and she was called DK by her father, which became Dukie to her siblings and friends. Dukie met and married Joseph Doubrava of Bohemia, NY in 1953. The couple shared almost 67 years of marriage, living in Bellport, Lake Grove and Mattituck, NY before moving to Mattapoisett, MA in 2013. Together they raised four children, witnessed the birth and growth of five grandchildren as well as the birth of four great-grandchildren.

            Following the path of her mother, older sister, grandfather, aunt and uncle, Dora Kate became an elementary school teacher, and taught until the birth of her first child. After spending thirty years raising her family, she became a realtor working in the Hamptons for her third career.

            Dora Kate was known for her love of animals, starting from the time on her grandparent’s farm. She helped raise or host a series of animals including chickens, cows, horses, a donkey and a long series of dogs and cats. As an adult she always had several cats, all of whom adopted her, showing up on her back deck and staying for the party. She also loved the water, beginning with long road trips to Florida as a child (6 children in one car, driving 1,500 miles on Route 1!) and continuing during her time in Mattituck and Mattapoisett.

            Dora Kate was predeceased by her husband Joe in 2020. She is survived by her four children: Tim Doubrava and his wife Christina of Riverhead, NY, Jeff Doubrava and his wife Beth of Marion, MA, Derrick Doubrava and his wife Debbie of Clintondale, NY and Tracey Doubrava of Newport, RI; five grandchildren Andrew Doubrava and his wife Tiffani Ortiz, Alex Doubrava and his wife Renata, Erin Buboltz and her husband Billy, Matthew Doubrava and his wife Hailey, and Emma Finnerty; and four great grandchildren Isabella Doubrava, Alexander Doubrava, Riley Buboltz and Carson Buboltz. Dora Kate was also predeceased by her five siblings and their spouses – she was the last of her generation.

            The family would like to express its thanks to the caregivers who helped Dora Kate remain comfortable and independent in her last years: Darlene Oliveria; Erin Spooner; the Community Nurse hospice team – most notably Sandi Diaz; and the FCP team – most particularly Valura Robinson.

            A joint memorial service for Dora Kate and Joseph Doubrava will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals at 50 County Road, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

EMC Shifts Focus to Education on Green Energy

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                  If all goes as planned, author David Green will be coming to town with tips on how homeowners can save energy. This topic was one of many energy-saving ideas discussed via Zoom at the August 24 Marion Energy Management Committee.

            Green is a graduate of Oxford University and Harvard Business School and is the author of Zero Carbon Home, which touches upon how heat pumps, triple-paned windows, and solar panels can help save money for homeowners.

            Green has been in contact with one EMC member and would be willing to conduct a talk, according to committee members on Monday. If approved by Select Board members and a location is secured, the EMC is hoping to secure a talk by Green, a name fitting to the green initiatives he would talk about.

            EMC members proposed that the Music Hall or the police station meeting room could be good candidates for this discussion. Committee members also said copies of his book would be available.

            Seeing the town’s strategy as short-sighted, the EMC unsuccessfully recommended against the May 12 Town Meeting vote that revoked Marion’s participation in the state’s Stretch Code, the building code that exceeds state law, prioritizing electric energy over fossil fuels. The vote rescinded Marion’s membership in the commonwealth’s Green Communities program, which awards grant funding to compliant municipalities based on incentives. The Town of Rochester had preceded Marion by becoming the first municipality to reject Massachusetts’ Stretch Code and membership in Green Communities.

            Another outreach opportunity was also discussed by the EMC. A video is in the works that highlights all the green initiatives in Marion from 2018 to 2024. The EMC is looking to master this product and release it on Old Rochester Community Television (ORCTV) and through other platforms.

            Also revealed on Monday was that the town has received a feasibility grant through the state to assess potential locations to set up vehicle charging stations.

            The EMC is looking to contact the ORR School District to assess school buildings and how the schools can save on energy costs and initiate other green strategies. According to EMC members, there is $5,000,000 available for Massachusetts public schools.

            The committee then set up a meeting with the Select Board about the potential for solar energy that could be used by the town. The EMC said that tax rebates and other incentives will be drying up at the end of this year.

            Members said homeowners looking to procure solar panels or other energy savings through Mass Save should begin seeking out those plans before the end of the calendar year.

            The next meeting of the Marion Energy Management Committee is scheduled for Monday, September 22, at 6:00 pm.

Marion Energy Management Committee

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Ribbon Cut at 1 Island Wharf Road

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At long last, Marion’s new Maritime Center is officially opened as of Tuesday, August 26. This momentous feat has been years in the making, and those present at the event signify its importance. The ribbon cutting took place about six months after February’s open house, with the new $3.5 million facility now fully operational.

            At the event were Executive Office of Economic Development Interim Secretary Ashley Stolba, State Senator Kelly A. Dooner, State Representative Mark D. Sylvia, Select Board Chair Randy L. Parker, Seaport Economic Council Director Ellen Cebula, Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman, Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli, Harbormaster Adam Murphy, Marine Resources Commission Chair Vin Malkoski, and many others from the community.

            Gorman spoke first and talked about the incredible feats completed in order to get through about five years of planning and roughly 10 months of actual construction. Both state representatives then spoke, followed by Stolba, who said this was her final event as Interim Secretary. She stated she was happy it could be in such a beautiful location. $1.9 million of the final price tag came from a Seaport Economic Council grant through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development.

            Finally, Select Board Chair Randy Parker spoke, detailing his and the board’s collaboration with everyone present to finish the build. “I’d be two times a day” he said, detailing his walks around the construction site and on-the-fly problem solving as issues arose. Following his speech, he grabbed his big scissors and headed up the stairs with other representatives to officially cut the ribbon.

            Ashley Stolba with Kelly Dooner cut the ribbon, thus ending the long project and officially beginning the new site at 1 Island Wharf Road’s projected long history of managing Marion Harbor.

Marion Maritime Center Ribbon Cutting

By Sam Bishop

ORRSD Welcomes New Human Resources Manager

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to announce that Sarah George has been appointed as the new Human Resources Manager for the Old Rochester Regional School District and the MA Superintendency Union #55, effective August 25.

            George graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and has spent the past several years working in human resources with a focus on hospitality on Cape Cod.

            “In previous roles, I’ve been focusing on recruitment, employee relations, and building positive workplace cultures,” George said. “I’ve had the opportunity to lead hiring efforts for hundreds of employees, both local and international, and truly enjoy creating welcoming, supportive environments where people can thrive.”

            In her spare time, George is an avid traveler and passionate hiker, especially in U.S. National Parks.

            “My favorite is Zion National Park, in Utah,” George said. “I’ve also explored 27 countries in Europe alone, and I’m always looking forward to my next adventure.”

            George, a Sandwich resident, is eager to get started.

            “I’m looking forward to getting to know the staff and community and working together to support the District’s mission, our students, and our team,” she said.

            “Join me in welcoming Sarah George to the Old Rochester Regional School District community,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Her passion for recruitment and cultivating a healthy and enjoyable workplace environment will be invaluable skills as she takes on this challenging new role.”

Rochester Cultural Council

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Starting September 2, the Rochester Cultural Council (RCC) will be accepting online applications from organizations, schools, and individuals for grants to support community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs.

            The RCC is composed of volunteers appointed by the Rochester Select Board. Using funding provided by the Mass Cultural Council, each year the RCC awards money to arts, humanities, and sciences projects put forth by local groups to enhance the quality of life in the Rochester community.

            Proposals may include programs such as school field trips, afterschool programs, concerts, festivals, lectures, theater, dance, music, film and STEM projects. In 2025 the RCC awarded $5,800 to seventeen organizations including the Rochester Council On Aging, RMS PTO, Old Colony PTO, Marion Art Center, New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance and the Mattapoisett Historical Society. A full list of 2025 grantees can be found at our MCC page at massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/rochester/.

            If you have a great idea for bringing culturally enriching programming to the Rochester area and need funding to make it a reality, We can help. All those who have questions regarding the RCC or the application process are invited to join us for an Applicant Support Workshop on Thursday, September 11 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library in Rochester, as well as via Zoom at Meeting ID: 756 2867 5077, Passcode: 7hEwjA. Quick links to tips for grant writing and the application process can also be found at bit.ly/RCCTips. The online application window will be open from September 2 to October 16.

            Finally, the RCC is always looking to welcome new members. To find out more about us, check us out at www.facebook.com/rochestermaculturalcouncil, feel free to attend one of our open meetings, or email us directly at rochesterculturalcouncil@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church located next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett concludes its summer only season of visiting clergy with services at 8:00 am and 10:00 am on August 31. Each service uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.

            The Rev. Jeffrey Paull Cave, retired from the Diocese of Atlanta, Georgia and now living in Northern California, will conduct the services. The Rev. Cave has been a visiting clergy at St. Philip’s for 50 years and this will be his last visit.

            Then at 4:00 pm the Rev. Cave, accompanied by the organist of St. Stephen’s Church in Providence, will lead the congregation in an informal, old-fashioned Hymn Sing. Hymns are introduced along with their history and the congregation are encouraged to request their favorites.

            All are welcome to attend both functions.

September Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street, celebrates Library Card Sign-up Month all September long with an exciting raffle for adults and children. To earn a ticket, library users must present their library card or their barcode on the SAILS app at checkout. Staff will draw the winners from each pool of raffle tickets at the end of the month and notify the lucky winners.

            Did you know your SAILS library card grants you access to more than just books and magazines? At the MFPL, you can borrow discounted museum passes, Wi-Fi hotspots, musical instruments, various household items, and more. Your library card also allows access to eContent, such as Libby, Hoopla, Mango Languages, Niche Academy, and GALE Databases. A library card has something to offer everyone in the family. Library card sign-up is easy and can be done online or in person. Ask a librarian for more information.

            The library will resume Sunday hours from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm beginning on Sunday, September 7.

            The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00 pm. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.

            The Friends are also still accepting jewelry donations. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.

            Our four-week Fall Yoga Series begins on Thursday, September 18, at 11:00 am and concludes on Thursday, October 9. Stretch, unwind, and relax with a beginner-friendly yoga flow series. This adaptable experience suits all ability levels. Class will be held outside, weather permitting – please dress accordingly – no registration required.

            Gather your family and join us for Family Jeopardy on Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 am. Enjoy some friendly competition as your family competes against others for an exciting grand prize. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. While you’re here, don’t forget to use your library card and get entered into the Library Card Sign-Up Month raffle.

            Join Dr. Edward Hoffer at the library on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm as he discusses Navigating Dementia: what it is, when to suspect it, the tests your doctor should perform to investigate it, the available therapies, and how to prevent it. No registration required.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group meets on the Fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm in the Marine Room. The next meeting is scheduled for September 24. We will discuss The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen. New members welcome. No registration required.

            Drop by the library on Tuesday, September 30, at 6:00 pm for the next Sippizine writing group. Bring your favorite writing accessories (e.g., paper, pen, computer) and get ready for the spark as ideas pop up in this creative writing session. No registration required.

            Get Ready for a spine-tingling good time with our Frightfully Fun Film Fest kick-off on Tuesday, September 30. Our opening night premiere is Disney’s beloved Hocus Pocus. This free, outdoor screening will be held on the library’s lawn, weather permitting. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and spooky spirit as we welcome the Sanderson Sisters back to the big screen for a night of witchy fun and a little 90s nostalgia. The movie starts at 6:00 pm, but feel free to come early and get comfortable. All ages welcome – no registration required. Stay tuned for the October lineup. Full schedule available soon.

            Please remember that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Four New Eagle Scouts in Rochester

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            On Monday night, August 25, Rochester’s Boy Scout Troop 31 gathered at Grange Hall with their families to celebrate and conduct an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony. Four boys were rising the ranks to become Eagle Scouts: Logan, Noah, Quinn, and Reece.

            The boys had achieved their medals over the last few months, but all agreed to wait until they had all finished so they could hold a ceremony together, having spent years together in the Boy Scouts program, as said by Assistant Scoutmaster Kevin Gretton.

            The Grand Hall was packed, with family members, fellow Boy Scouts, other Eagle Scouts both young and old, state government representatives, and Troop 31 leadership, who conducted the ceremony.

            The event began with the boys seeking promotion coming in and sitting at the opposite end of their peers, with one of the four boys, Quinn, choosing to sit out the ceremony and instead work on his truck for an upcoming road trip as said by his father, Dave Andrews. The ceremony was conducted by Scout Leader Kevin Gretton and Chaplain Dave Andews, who went through the script and itinerary of Eagle Court of Honors held across the country.

            Following the scouts saying the Scout Oath, twelve current scouts rose and lit twelve candles, reciting the “12 points” of Scout Laws, those being: trust, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courtesy, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence. Then, the three boys received their Eagle Scout Badge, placed an Eagle Mother Pin on their mothers’ collars, and placed a pin on their individual mentors for their now completed Eagle Projects.

            The event concluded with the Boy Scouts and new Eagle Scouts cutting into a cake that bore their four names.

Rochester Troop 31 Eagle Court of Honor

By Sam Bishop

RMS Solar Array To Be Complete by December

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                  Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday approved a modification of the Site Plan Review and Special Permit for a large-scale solar photovoltaic array at Rochester Memorial School which will allow construction to happen during the school year.

            The plan in question is to construct a canopy-mounted 250KW AC solar array system over a portion of the school’s rear paved parking lot. Planning Board Chair Arnold Johnson said Tuesday one of the conditions of the permit was that construction was to take place over the summer vacation when no children would be around and the space would not be so busy. Circumstances around that plan have changed, he said. Now the contractor, Solect Energy Development, Hopkinton, is looking to start construction in September and finish work by the end of December.

            Johnson began discussion by noting board members have visited the site and reviewed details such as the necessary performance bond for the work. He then asked if the work would impede student drop-off in the morning and pick-up in the afternoon and faculty parking.

            RMS Principal Heidi Letendre answered that parents will be asked to extend their “que” line for drop-off and pick-up further around the front of the school and the time students will be allowed in the school will be altered. Solect consultant Clint Shuckel assured the board the contractor will not do heavy work between seven and eight a.m. (when students arrive for the school day) or 2:30-3:30 (student pick-up time), and sub-contractors are being instructed to not make deliveries during those times. He said work hours will be 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and no Saturday work hours.

            Town Planner Michaela Shoemaker said Police Michael Assad has indicated concern over unauthorized personnel entering the school building. ORR District Facilities Manager Gene Jones responded that all personnel working in the school area have been CORI-checked (Criminal Offender Record Information).

            Discussion ended with a decision that this was a minor rather than a major permit change. A major change would have required a public hearing. The approval vote was 4-1, with member Marc Rousseau voting against.

            The board’s next motions were continuations. The panel continued to its next meeting the Definitive Subdivision application hearing on turning an 8.67-acre parcel at 19 County Road into three lots after a lengthy discussion over the expensive road bond the petitioners are being asked to post.

            The plan here is to retain the existing house lot and create two new lots for additional four-bedroom residential housing. Patrick Mulvahill, representing the petitioners Robert and Christine Murphy, said he had questions for the town’s consulting engineer, Ken Motta, in response to the lengthy peer review letter with permit requirements that Motta recently issued. He wanted to know if covenant language in the permit waivers could address the high cost of the road performance bond. “This is money the Murphys did not foresee having to pay,” Milvahill said.

            Johnson explained a road performance bond protects the town and future residents of the homes should the contractor go belly-up before finishing the road. Consulting engineer Robert Espisito, appearing on Zoom, requested the continuance after concluding he will first speak with Motta on the details of the peer review and the road bond issue.

            The board also continued to its next meeting the Special Permit and Site Plan Review hearing for the proposal from Logging Swamp Solar dba ReWild Renewables to install a ground-mounted, large scale solar panel array with associated site work on 49 acres in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            The board then continued to the same date its other large-scale solar project hearing: the Site Plan Review application for the construction of a floating and ground-mounted solar array with associated battery energy storage system at 53 Dexter Lane.

            In other action, Johnson announced that long-time member Ben Bailey has resigned. But Bailey has agreed to stay on until the conclusion of the Logging Swamp Solar project, he said. The board needs a supermajority of its members to be present to legally vote on such a permit and Bailey has been involved in the hearings since the beginning. The board then elevated member Michael Murphy to Board Clerk to replace Bailey in that role and appointed Matt Bache as Assistant Clerk.

            The board tentatively set September 3 as the date for its site visit of the Dexter Lane floating solar array project.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco