On Friday, February 13, the Marion Department of Public Works held the grand opening for their new facility at 60 Benson Brook Road, adjacent to the town’s Transfer Station and across Route 6 from the older DPW facility.

            The DPW has been extra busy the past few weeks with mountains of snow removal, literally, receiving praise from the Select Board, town administrator, and others in town. The opening of this new building comes at a good time.

            The location of the new facility was originally recommended by former DPW Director Rob Zora. The new building is quite large at approximately 200 by 72 feet, with a ceiling height of 26 feet.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman began the event by thanking the DPW and public for being present at the ribbon cutting. He attributed the success of the new building to the “generosity of the residents of Marion.” Chair of the Select Board Randy Parker then spoke, noting the other members of the Select Board, Norm Hills and John Hoagland, were also present. Parker said, “This project was proposed early on, probably 1996, to the tune of $30,000,000. It was never presented because we thought that was too much money.”

            He then noted that, with the help of the Marion Finance Committee, they were able to get the bill of the project down to $5,200.000. He then added, “I’m happy to report, that the team has brought this building $315,000 under budget.” He also thanked the Building Committee and other town officials who played pivotal roles in both completing the project and adhering to and coming in under the original budget. “Thank you all. It’s actually heartfelt for me. We worked hard on this,” Parker said.

            State Senator Kelly Dooner (R-3rd Bristol & Plymouth) then spoke, beginning, “I just want to say it is so great to see so many people here. I feel like anytime Marion does something, the whole community comes together and its truly just a testament to the Town of Marion and the community that you guys have.” Dooner had previously held a seat on Taunton’s building committee, and with that, knows how difficult these projects can be. She offered a citation, reading “State Senate Official Citation: Be it known that the Massachusetts Senate hereby extends its congratulations to the Town of Marion in recognition of the grand opening of the Department of Public Works Operation Building and be it further known the Massachusetts Senate extends its best wishes for continued success and that this citation be duly signed by the President of the Senate and attested copy thereof by the clerk as well as myself.” She then handed the citation to Chair Parker with thanks.

            State Representative Mark Sylvia (D-10th Bristol) then offered his congratulations, saying, “Many people may not appreciate that departments of public works are out there every day, early in the morning, late at night, during the week, on weekends, ensuring that traffic flows and people are safe.” He added, “to have the facility you need to get that done is really important.” He also noted the importance of the facility for other departments, such as the Fire Department’s use for washing their trucks. Sylvia then presented his proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, reading, “Be it hereby known to all that the Massachusetts House of Representatives offers its sincerest congratulations to the Town of Marion in recognition of the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the town’s new Department of Public Works Operation Building, located at 60 Benson Brook Road in Marion, Massachusetts. The entire membership extends its very best wishes and expresses the hope for future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors.” He then also handed this citation off to Chair Parker.

            Both state representatives then offered recognition to former DPW Director Rebecca Tilden, with Sylvia saying, “it is in part due to your leadership that this project happened.” They thanked Tilden for her over-30 years of service to Marion, beginning as a clerk in the DPW. Current DPW Director Jody Dickerson then also awarded Tilden a citation from Governor Maura Healey for her service.

            Dickerson spoke last before the ribbon cutting: “For too long, our crews have worked out of outdated, undersized spaces. Today that changes. This facility isn’t just concrete and steel. It’s a vital tool that will allow us to serve you better.” Dickerson then recognized various DPW employees for their many years of service. The director then called on members of the DPW to rise and receive thanks, including Eric Owen, Brandon Sullivan, Richard Vickery, Karl Troupe, Kyle Tracy, Adam Barlow, Nate Fincher, Teresa Firth, Nick Gioni, and others. They all lined up and held the ribbon, awaiting the final cutting. Holding a large pair of scissors, Tilden cut the red ribbon, thus opening the new DPW building.

            The new building is divided between vehicle storage and maintenance, a mechanic/machine shop, and office space. Voters approved the current plans and funding at Town Meeting 2023, costing approximately $6,000,000. The Planning Board approved the site and plans in November 2023, with construction starting in late-2024, when materials from Morton Buildings arrived.

By Sam Bishop

            ​This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, General George Washington evened the field of pay between enlisted soldiers and mercenaries, so long as the latter bring their own weapons and food. Washington is also focused on British movements out of Boston, fearing they could strike at New York City. More troops are being raised across the Thirteen Colonies, and the Continental Congress seems poised to push them north to go after Quebec. Washington, however, has his eyes set on Boston.

            On February 4, 1776, British General Henry Clinton, who departed Boston a few days prior, lands in New York. American Major General Charles Lee has spent the last days heading to the city to bolster defenses in anticipation of this arrival. However, an envoy from Clinton states he is only visiting the Royal Governor of New York, William Tryon. Clinton, following the meeting, would continue south towards the Carolinas. Tensions are high, however.

            New York Representative to the Continental Congress Thomas Lynch writes to Washington on February 5. He says, “The strong apathy that hold Congress in fetters is still more forceable here, however luckily Clinton is come without force.” Lynch is displeased with Congress’ action, or lack thereof, and preparations for the defense of New York have not materialized. The city is wide open and greatly lacks fortifications. The fact that a British General can come ashore unbothered worries Patriots near the city.

            Lee writes Washington on February 6, explaining he arrived in the city the same day as the British general. Major General Lee, anxious and untrusting, is taken aback by Clinton’s willingness to share his plans with him, saying, “He has brought no troops with him and pledges his honor that none are coming. He says it is merely a visit to his friend Tryon – if it is really so it is the most whimsical piece of civility I ever heard of – He informs us that his intention is for N. Carolina where he expects five regiments from England.” Lee thinks this is surely a ruse, but it will turn out to be the truth, giving New York more time to build defenses.

            On February 10, Washington would reply to Lee. He understands Lee’s stress, having entrusted him with the defense of New York City. However, General Washington highlights his own short fallings, saying, “Business multiplies so fast upon my hands that I am confined almost entirely to the house.” Being deprived of assistance, he asks Lee to part with Boston-born William Palfrey. The secretary and Freemason will soon serve as aide-de-camp to Washington, as his eyes shift away from bureaucracy and back to the battlefield.

            At this time, artillery has been secured from Henry Cox’s expedition. Slowly, it is being cleaned and prepared for use against Boston.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop