Mattapoisett Historical Commission Installs Informational Panel

on

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Linda Ashley are pleased to share that a panel describing the history of the Center School was recently installed in front of the building by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission.

            The 36-inch-wide, 30-inch-high panel sits on a metal beam planted into the ground, telling the story of the Center School’s founding, including pictures provided by the Mattapoisett Historical Society that depict the building’s early days. The panel, with the title “Historically Speaking… Center School,” also includes an image of a handwritten note from the philanthropist who funded the construction of the building, describing his intentions to provide the property to the town so that “the children are made happier and healthier.”

            The installation of the “Historically Speaking” panel at the Center School was approved by the Mattapoisett School Committee in late March. The Center School panel is similar to another “Historically Speaking” panel installed by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission at the Mattapoisett Wharves.

            The Center School history panel installation was first proposed by the Mattapoisett Historical Commission in January.

            The new panel at the Center School describes how the building opened in 1899, when it was first known as the Mattapoisett School. The property was donated to the town by an industrialist and financier from Fairhaven named Henry Huttleston Rogers.

            “The son of a former sea captain, Henry H. Rogers had spent his early childhood in Mattapoisett,” the panel states. “Rogers made his initial fortune in the oil refining business. Later his financial interests included railroads, steel making, and copper mining. A philanthropist, he was particularly committed to education and provided the funds for a number of public buildings, including a school in Fairhaven.”

            Rogers and his wife Abbie attended the dedication of the new Mattapoisett Town Hall in 1897, when he was approached by a prominent member of the community, who told him that what the community really needed was a school.

            On October 27, 1897, at a special town meeting, attendees voted to purchase a lot on the corner of Barstow and Church streets “to erect a schoolhouse two stories high with a clock and all the modern improvements, and second to none in the state, so far as convenience and sanitation were concerned.”

            The four-acre parcel of land used for the new school was purchased from the estate of Leonard Hammond for $1,500, and the architect selected for the project was Charles Brigham, one of the most important and prolific architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

            Following construction, the Mattapoisett School was dedicated on Jan. 4, 1899, with Rogers in attendance to make an address. The Mattapoisett School then provided an education to students in the first through 12th grade until 1905, when Rogers donated a new high school in Fairhaven, which was also designed by Brigham. The Mattapoisett School then continued to serve elementary grades.

            Two small additions were made to the original Mattapoisett School building, including a six-room addition constructed in 1936, along with a cafeteria and kitchen in 1950. The original building was later renovated, and a large wing was added in 2004 to house kindergarten through the third grade, the panel states.

            The Mattapoisett Historical Commission celebrated the installation of the “Historically Speaking” panel as a way to educate the public about the legacy of such an important institution in the community.

            “The Historical Commission is very pleased to be able to honor the history of Center School with the placement of a panel,” said Rachel McGourthy, chairperson of the commission.

            Superintendent Nelson, Principal Ashley, Mattapoisett School Committee Chairperson Carly Lavin and Town Administrator Michael Lorenco all thanked the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for the valued contribution to the Center School property.

            “It’s amazing to see the history of the Center School acknowledged and celebrated in this new panel,” said Town Administrator Lorenco. “I’d like to thank the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for this contribution, educating all of our students and community members about the history of this beloved building.”

            “This historical panel is a beautiful addition to the Center School property,” said Chairperson Lavin. “It’s awesome to see our history acknowledged in such a way. Thank you to the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for taking the initiative to install this much-appreciated historical panel.”

            “The ‘Historically Speaking’ panel has been a great addition to our Center School property,” said Principal Ashley. “The new installation is already receiving plenty of attention. This is a great way for our students, staff, parents and community members to learn about the history of the Center School.”

            “The Center School has been a beloved institution in our community for nearly 130 years. I think the new panel is an excellent way to acknowledge that history and teach our students about the story behind the building,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I’d like to express our gratitude to the Mattapoisett Historical Commission for this valuable contribution. We deeply appreciate this effort to make our shared history accessible to all of our students, teachers and anyone who visits the Center School.”

Island Warf Park Lacks Parking Enforcement

on

The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission (OSAC) met briefly via Zoom on July 3 but covered some important topics, mostly regarding use of Island Wharf Park.

            Member Norm Hills said two years ago, the wharf area’s jurisdiction was transferred over to the Marine Commission. However, the use of the wharf has expanded to parking for other activities. Hills also said there is gravel parking and a road in the area with no official plan behind it.

            “It’s unilaterally expanded its (use), Hills said, adding that there is no control over who parks in the area. Some trailers and boats are parked in the open space area, which has recently been banned. Hills said a committee has been formed to decide how parking should be conducted.

            “It’s a situation over time. It has been creeping expansion in the area, and nobody has agreed to that or has approved that,” Hills added.

            “It certainly has been nibbling away at the green space there,” OSAC Chair John Rockwell said. He said since the late 1980s, village parking has not changed much but an influx of activities and visitors have.

            Rockwell said he had served on the Conservation Commission when it was proposed that a permit should be needed when they built a gravel parking lot. Rockwell said there is a storm drain in the area, which is why he argued against more parking expansion when he served on the Conservation Commission.

            Rockwell said the gravel parking area turns into a “mud pit” when it rains.

            Rockwell also said there are waterfront facilities there, but the Marine Resources Commission said it does not have the money to manage the parking area.

            The Chair said there should be a legal determination for how parking in the area should be conducted and what boards or commissions should be responsible. He said some of the area has grass parking as well, which is often by people who attend concerts in the area. He said there should be a fee for that parking for the upkeep of the land.

            Rockwell discussed the idea that police could issue tickets to people who are not permitted to park there, which could also generate revenue. “We need more parking because we are not enforcing the rules we have.”

            Also at the remote July 3 meeting, OSAC Chair John Rockwell said the commission is looking to conduct a site visit for Grassi Bog, Rockwell said the commission plans to visit the site on July 13 at 10:00 am.

            Grassi Bog is a former cranberry bog, just off Route 6, and is now a wildlife sanctuary, used also for walking trails. Some of the land there might be used as part of the South Coast Bike Path.

            The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission was not confirmed at adjournment.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

on

George Church was the 9th descendant of the Church family whose American story began with the arrival of Richard Church in Plymouth in 1632 where he became known as a skilled house builder. It wasn’t until the 4th generation of Churches that another Richard came to Rochester in the 1720’s. He purchased 350 acres along the Mattapoisett River in 1725-6. Known as both a house carpenter and boat builder, he found work as a carpenter and owned and worked the 1st sawmill on the Mattapoisett River beginning in 1748.

            The family successfully settled into Rochester with many offspring both building houses and boats, while one was a famous Indian fighter and others led seafaring lives. The owning and working of the sawmill (though several were built in the same spot) through the years, made this stretch of the Mattapoisett an early center of industry.

            The last George Church was born and grew up in Rochester as did Katherine H. Hartley and the two married on February 22, 1958. George ran both the family mill and a building moving service. Katherine was a nurse who worked for 43 years as a public health and school nurse. The couple never had children but left a legacy of service to the town. They both shared a love of nature and open spaces and a concern for their protection.

            George was a canny businessman who wanted none of his land developed. He also wanted money to endow a scholarship for area nursing students. Being land rich, but believing in preservation, he sold land at bargain prices to both the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game and the Rochester Land Trust. He gathered enough money to create the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts which continues to give out scholarships and Rochester is fortunate to have the Haskell Swamp Management Area, both Church’s Field, the Church River Trail and the Pony Pasture. All of these properties are along Mattapoisett Rd. and the last three are Rochester Land Trust Properties, as is the George E. and Katherine H. Church Wildlife Conservation Area off of Rte. 105. Everyone who appreciates Rochester’s fields and wooded spaces owes a debt of gratitude to George and Katherine Church and the organizations that helped them to cement their legacy.

            We hope you will join us at the sunken garden in the Pony Pasture this Saturday, July 12th from 10-2 for a Rochester Historical Society Strawberry/Blueberry Bake sale to help support the Rochester Historical Society, another organization that has been helped out over the years by George.

By Connie Eshbach

Mattapoisett Town Band

on

The Third scheduled concert for the Mattapoisett Town Band will take place on July 16 at 7:00 pm at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett. Thank you to everyone who attended last week’s concert for making it such a wonderful evening. Please visit our Facebook page for updates regarding any weather conditions.

            This concert will feature songs from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Song styles will include Tangos, a Paso doble, Spanish marches, Mambo Greats, and more.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

Join Playful Engineers at the Elizabeth Taber Library between 10:00 am and 11:30 am on Saturday, July 12. Kids ages 5+ can build creative contraptions and learn about chain reactions in this hands-on make and break workshop.

            Young readers can visit the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout June for exciting library programs. Our Book Explorers program for grades 1-3 meets at 11:00 am on Tuesdays or 2:00 pm on Thursdays. Library Adventurers for grades 4-6 meets Tuesdays at 2:00 pm or 11:00 am on Thursdays. Make crafts, discover exciting new books, and level up at your library this summer!

            Jill Pimental of MIY Studio will teach machine and hand sewing techniques to adults and young adults at the Elizabeth Taber Library. Workshops will be held on Tuesdays in July from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Don’t have a sewing machine? Starting this summer, the Elizabeth Taber Library will have sewing machines and supplies available for check out. Spaces are limited. Register for one or more sessions. For more information or to register contact the library at 508-748-1252 or email ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

            Join the Banned Book Club on Thursday, June 10 at 6:00 pm to discuss an American classic, Kindred by Octavia Butler.

            Join the library on Thursday July 17 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for an evening with Ben Shattuck, author of The History of Sound (now a major motion picture) and Six Walks. Please call the library to register for this free program, there are a limited number of books available to purchase.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library is excited to host baseball players from the Wareham Gatemen at 10:30 am on Friday, July 25. Listen to the players read stories and then play catch!

            Join the Library throughout the summer for yoga on the lawn, Tuesdays starting at 8:30 am. Please bring your own mat.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

North Street Farmstand Site Plan OK’d

on

            Farmer Mike King returned to the Mattapoisett Planning Board on July 7 having submitted a packet of requested documentation for the board at the previous meeting. On this night, the board was now prepared to render a decision regarding the site plan. The review was requested by King in his efforts to gain municipal acceptance of his farmstand at 84 North Street as allowed by the Dover Amendment.

            Although it was noted that the requested materials were delivered late in the day, Chaiman Tom Tucker allowed the submissions given probable difficulties in timing due to the 4th of July holiday. The site plan review hearing was reopened.

            Board member John Mathieu spoke first laying out in detail why the farmstand should be granted permission to operate… “I’m familiar with farms, I have plenty of clients that have farms. They have more than one location and those locations all constitute their farm. To further help because it’s not really truly defined (in the Dover Amendment) one of the things that a farm is required to do or may do is they obtain a farm plate for their vehicles. Part of the application form, the farm plate is application requires they list all their properties and locations in which their farms are operating so to me that is dictating that included in the definition of a farm you have to look at those things that the state recognizes for farms. There’s more than just one location so with that being said and looking at this and looking at knowing Mr. King operates up on Route 6, these two properties constitute his farm as far as I’m concerned.

            So here we are with the site plan for this piece of property obviously we have a copy of his lease from the Fergusons …they’re leasing him the property as a farm, they’re excluding the dwelling house which is fine because the use is being dictated by Mr. King.

            In this situation which is allowed and for that reason and for all the documentation he’s provided showing that he’s got a farm operation here and with this piece of property being 7.3 acres I believe his other property being two 2 1/2 acres, I mean he’s almost at 10 acres of land being farmed we’re also a Right To Farm community and farms are disappearing at a fast rate in Massachusetts.”

            Mathieu continued, “It’s tough to find a piece of property to be a farm or that was a farm and here we got a piece of property which is going to be turned into a mini farm.”

            Mathieu added, “For these reasons I think that he’s satisfied the required site review for this piece of property. He has shown that he’s providing plenty of parking, he’s providing an in and out (access) this is ample I think in my opinion for the use that he’s going to put there.” Mathieu also pointed to the amount of traffic generated by a nearby nursey school and a coffee shop. He said those businesses generate significant traffic on North Street. He also conjectured that the farmstand will slow traffic down.

            Tucker asked for a motion to approve the site plan. All voted to accept and approve the site plan except for member Karen Field. Field was concerned with the late entry of information from King and wanted to ask questions. It was determined that her questions were not germane to a simple site plan review and were not included as part of the recorded proceedings.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for June 21 at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Ticks All Over

on

So far, this tick season has lived up to experts’ predictions regarding severity. The 2025 tick season has already outpaced prior years for tick-bite and tick-borne disease doctor visits. Plymouth County has the second highest level of tick-borne disease visits, at 43 so far this year and behind Dukes/Nantucket with 48 collectively according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

            Cases of Lyme disease have exploded in recent years, especially in the Northeast. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported Plymouth County having 1385 new cases of Lyme recorded in 2023 (the last time results were input), as opposed to 639 the year prior. This massive uptick can largely be attributed to more going outside following the end of Covid lockdowns. However, it still remains that cases recorded are higher now than ever.

            Generally, it seems as though anytime you, or a pet, enter into heavy grass, line of a forest, or stray off the path of a trail, you are bound to catch at least one on you looking for a snack. Dog ticks and deer ticks are the most common in the area, with the latter being responsible for the spread of Lyme, though all are capable of carrying some form of disease.

            Rochester, due to high forest coverage, undeveloped areas, and high population of deer and wild animals, would have the highest number of ticks. However, Marion and Mattapoisett are not short of their own foliage, and you should still maintain best practices when outdoors there.

            Both the CDC and the DPH recommend the same preventative strategies. First and foremost, avoid areas where ticks are likely to be. If you have to near their habitat, it’s recommended to wear long sleeves and long pants, though that can be difficult with higher temperatures. Bug repellents, especially with DEET, are effective but only for use on non-infants. If out hiking with someone else, offer to help each other spot for them and remove them ASAP. For children and infants, it’s important to check in folds and behind/inside their ears for ticks as well.

            If you’re worried or overly-anxious about an encounter, speak with a doctor to get their input and monitor the area you were bitten. Don’t let it ruin your summer or even affect your plans. However, be on the lookout and be prepared! Scientists pin the explosion in tick populations to rising temperatures, meaning numbers are not declining any time soon.

By Sam Bishop

Heidi Lee (Medeiros) Correia

on

Heidi Lee (Medeiros) Correia, 54, of Mattapoisett passed from this world on July 11, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of William “Billy” Medeiros and Bonnie (Chace) Medeiros.

            Heidi was a graduate of New Bedford High School and went on to earn an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She served as both a teacher and director at childcare centers in Boston and later had a career in corporate training. She lived abroad in Germany for several years before returning to Mattapoisett, where she raised her family and worked for MattSail – the Mattapoisett Community Sailing Association – blending her love of the ocean with her commitment to the community. Heidi was proud to have helped start the Old Rochester HS varsity sail team.

            The ocean was a tremendous part of Heidi’s life. She spent every summer of her life at her family cottage on the beach at Angelica Point in Mattapoisett. She loved swimming, sailing, boating and – especially – quahoging. She could dig a bucket of quahogs in record time and was renowned for her delicious quahog chowder and zuppa dishes. She loved a beach party and could throw together a buffet and a bonfire at a moment’s notice. She was also an excellent listener – she was a sponsor, a source of support and a steady friend to countless people over the years and found great purpose in doing so.

            The greatest accomplishment of Heidi’s life was, by far, her children. Above all else, she loved being a mother and the success and achievements of her children were an enormous source of pride for her. She poured her heart into their lives-cheering the loudest at games, nurturing their dreams, and reminding them every day that they were deeply loved and capable of anything.

            She is survived by her parents and her beloved children; a son, William and a daughter, Ellie, her spoiled dog, Milo, and her former husband, Craig Correia, all of Mattapoisett, as well as many, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who adored her.

            Heidi and her family would like to thank Erin Knowles, her lifelong best friend and cousin who supported her during her battle. Thank you also to Erica, the nurses and the aids with Community Nurse.

            Heidi’s heroic battle with aggressive colon cancer was an inspiration to everyone who knew her, and her will to live in the face of overwhelming odds was awesome to witness. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ORR High School sailing program via MattSail, P.O. Box 947, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, or to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719.

            Her Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 10 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, July 15th from 4-8 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Ralph Walston Eustis Jr.

on

Ralph Walston Eustis Jr., 92, passed into the hands of our Lord on July 6, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends. His long life’s voyage has reached a peaceful harbor. He was born in Dalton, MA on January 2, 1933, the first of three children to the late Ralph W. Eustis and Margorie (King) Eustis. Ralph graduated from Westfield High School in 1950. Then he went on to the Coast Guard Academy. In 1955 he graduated with a BA in Engineering and was commissioned as an Ensign US Coast Guard officer; followed by Deputy Commander Far East Section, Tokyo. After an assignment in Washington, DC, Ralph was promoted in 1968 to Commanding Officer of the USCGC Vigilant, whose home port was New Bedford, MA. He had expressed how grateful he was to not only realize his dream of going to sea but to be in command of an excellent crew who knew their job well and could be relied upon to perform it with skill and integrity. After 20 years of service in the Coast Guard, followed by a brief stint of boat building in Mattapoisett, he then spent the next 20 years at Sippican Ocean Systems in Marion, MA where he retired in 1998 as their International Marketing Director. Ralph was predeceased by his beloved wife Merilyn “Merry” Hodgson Eustis and their second son William “Billy” Eustis. Ralph and Merry’s partnership of 63 years took them on many adventures; raising two sons; cruising on their sailboat; traveling all over the world; building their own home on the shores of Mattapoisett, MA. Here in their retirement, husband and wife created a wonderful garden to surround themselves with the beauty of nature. They became an integral part of the community and were happy to have friendships grow among their many neighbors. Skiing was a passion, and Ralph became a long-time member of the National Ski Patrol. Rowing with the Gray Buzzards in New Bedford was another favorite pastime. For over 20 years until a few weeks before his passing, Ralph rowed year-round followed by coffee, discussions and camaraderie. Also in his retirement, Ralph served on the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Board and was part of the design team for the CGA Alumni Center. He had served as Board Chairman and Director of the New Bedford Art Museum. Other institutions close to his heart were the New Bedford Symphony, Habitat for Humanity and the First Congregational Church in Mattapoisett where Ralph had the honor of serving as a deacon. Survivors include his son Ralph Eustis III and wife Karen Perilli Eustis, granddaughter Heather Eustis Ray and husband Jacques Ray; grandson Stephen Eustis; great grandsons Cassius and Oliver Eustis Ray; sister Bette Ascheffenburg; brother Gordon Eustis and his wife Joan Eustis; sister-in-law Joelle Bentley; sister-in-law Julie Broom and her husband Tony Broom; best friend Ginny Hayden and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends far away and local. In his twilight years Buzzards Bay became home. At Keystone Place, the assisted living and hospice staff guided him in his final days. His family will be forever grateful to the many staff who provided such a caring and nurturing environment for final goodbyes. Celebration of life services will be held at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, Class of 55 Fund, 47 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320-8111. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Karen Ann Taylor

on

Karen Ann Taylor of Marion, MA, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 12 at Tobey Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Captain Michael Taylor of Marion, and her son, Jonathan “JT” Taylor of Washington, D.C.

            Originally from New Britain, CT, Karen was an avid reader, collector of cookbooks, and a devoted crossword puzzle aficionado. She thoroughly enjoyed her time traveling the globe with Michael, at sea and on land.

            Thanks to Tobey Hospital and Sippican Healthcare Center for their care and comfort, and to our dear family friend Nicole Dasilva for her unwavering support and love.

            Donations in her memory may be made to your local library – a fitting tribute to her passion for reading. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com