Sippican Historical Society

on

In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded one-half by the Sippican Historical Society and one-half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Due to the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office).

Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

This installment features 13 Hiller Street. Extending eastward from Front Street and turning southward to meet Main Street, Hiller Street is noteworthy as a side street with a gritty appearance. It was named Hiller Street around 1900 after the enterprising family who owned most of the residences and utilitarian structures bordering this back street. The structure at 13 Hiller Street is a wood shingle Queen Anne building that may have been built as a stable. An off-center hayloft opening appears at the second story beneath the eaves. Built c. 1880-1890, this building was owned by Theodore J. Tripp, a baker, by the early 1900s.

Comfort in Candlemas

on

We made it. February 2 marks the halfway mark of winter and here we stand, relatively unscathed by the ghastly torrents that winters past have rained (and snowed) down upon us and winds that knocked us down along with everything else around us. On the seasonal front, I dare say we have fared well thus far, only having to tolerate the diminished light of these shortened days, the early onset of evening alleviated only by the steady sequence of astonishing sunsets, not to mention the sun’s exquisite apologies for its late appearance every morning by some equally astounding sunrises.

Groundhog Day, that February 2 quasi-holiday on which The Wanderer places an overemphasis every year started out centuries ago as Candlemas. The day has multiple significances in Christianity and the Pagan religions, and February 2 is significant in cultures all across the globe. My thoughts this year are of the old Western European tradition of clearing the fields for the first plantings of spring. And even so today, we move towards spring with the promise of the returning light, the rebirth of life and the world around us, and perhaps even within ourselves.

During Candlemas, people would light candles blessed at church to dispel the darkness. My very close Danish friend in Copenhagen hated this dark half of the year. Over in Scandinavia during winter the sun would never truly rise high in the sky, instead slanting its light burning long shadows all across the daylight. She would burn white candlesticks every day to penetrate the long nights that would extend late into the morning and return early in the afternoon. I embraced her tradition a couple years ago to see me through the dark half of the year she died. After all, it was never the cold of winter or even the snow that got to me; it was always the darkness, which I have come to accept and even now find comfort in with my white candles glowing and the promise of a slow, gradual return to the light half of the year.

That slow, gradual return to light is the predictable part of winter. But we are yearly at the mercy of the uncertainty of winter as inhabitants along the coastline of New England. The 2019 Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts more rain than snow for us in the Tri-Town with mostly average temperatures for the most part through February.

And what say you, groundhog? To what are we beholden to endure these next six weeks? Will that traditional first spring flower cover of The Wandererbe in February like it has been in the past, or in March as it was last year? And, speaking of covers, congratulations to Hannah Ramalho of Mattapoisett, the winner of the annual Wanderer Groundhog Day cover contest. Thank you to all the participants who entered their artwork into the contest, and we hope to see you again in October for our next Halloween cover contest. Until then, go Patriots! And come on, spring!

By Jean Perry

Tri-Town Kindergarten Registration

on

Sippican School – Marion – Registration and Orientation: February 12at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Multi-purpose room

Center School – Mattapoisett – Parent Orientation: Wednesday,January 30at 6:30 pm – Center School cafeteria

Parent Registration: Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm or Thursday, February 7at 8:45 am – 11:00 am – Center School cafeteria

Rochester Memorial School – Rochester – Parent Orientation Information Session: Wednesday, January 30at 5:45 pm – RMS cafetorium. Followed by Kindergarten Classroom Orientation at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Registration: February 5, 6, 7at 9:30 am to 11:30 am and/or 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.

SLT Leads Superb-Owl Walk

on

Join Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) for a winter “Superb-Owl” Walk in honor of Super Bowl Sunday on February 3. This crepuscular walk in the woods will start at 4:00 pm and end by 5:30 pm back in time to leisurely head off for the Patriots-Rams’ kick-off.

The walk will start behind the Marion Institute and Baldwin Brother parking lot located at 202 Spring Street in Marion. The walk will head to the railroad bed and paths behind the Marion Institute and Baldwin Brother and continue down the railroad path within walking distance of some Sippican Lands Trust properties as well as town open space properties in this forested area. While hearing an owl early in the evening would be nice, it isn’t a sure thing. Owls are busy with their nesting time and hopefully calling more than often.

The walk is free and no registration is required. The walk is weather dependent and participants should be dressed for muddy paths and/or frozen stretches. Headlamps or flashlights are suggested for the walk back to the parking area and the walk will cover approximately 1.5 to 2 miles depending upon the pace of participants. If the Superb-Owl Walk is canceled due to inclement weather, then information will be posted to SLT’s website and Facebook page. For more information about this walk contact SLT at info@sippicanlandstrust.org, 508-748-3080, or visit www.sippicanlandstrust.org.

Thank you to the Marion Institute for permission to park in their lot for this walk.

ORR & Fairhaven Alumni Hockey

on

All hockey alumni from Old Rochester High School, Fairhaven High School, & the current ORFH Co-op hockey program are invited to participate in this alumni game to benefit the current ORFH ice hockey program.  The minimum donation to participate is $35.00, although anyone can donate to help support the program regardlesss. The event will take place on February 23at 5:00 pm at Tabor Academy.  If you cannot play, but would like to participate in another way or simply contribute, please contact us for details. There is limited space available for players and positions so please contact the group at ORFHhockeyalum@gmail.com for all additional details and sign up information.

Jane K. Ellis

on

Jane K. Ellis, 93, of Rochester, died Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Alden Court in Fairhaven.

Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mildred (Fearing) Kirby.  A lifelong resident of Rochester, Jane served the town working in many different capacities. She was the first clerk of the town hall in 1956 and promoted to executive secretary in 1966.  She also was the first town accountant during that time from 1966 to 1972.  In 1972 she was worked for the Town of Mattapoisett and from 1980 to 1986 worked for the Town of Fairhaven from where she retired.  After her retirement, she worked part-time for the Rochester Board of Health.  She also served in many volunteer positions in Rochester as a member of the Industrial Development Finance Authority, an election worker and teller, deputy inspector and inspector, and as an assessor.

Jane was a longtime member of the Rochester Congregational Church, and a member of the Sippican Choral Society.

She is survived by her son Alton K. Ellis of Middleboro, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her son, the late Timothy Ellis, and her siblings, the late George Kirby, William Kirby, Margaret Benner, Ruth Kirby, and Dorothy Ouellette

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at the First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester at 11:00 AM to be followed by a light lunch.  Inurnment will be in Rochester Center Cemetery, Rochester in the spring.

Donations in her memory may be made to First Congregational Church of Rochester, P.O. Box 98, Rochester, MA 02770 OR Rochester Firefighters Assoc., 4 Pine St., Rochester, MA 02770 OR Sippican Choral Society, P.O. Box 709, Marion, MA 02738.  For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Harriet E. (Dugas) Gray

on

Harriet E. (Dugas) Gray, 91, of Fairhaven died peacefully on January 24, 2019 at Alden Court Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of the late Robert J. Gray.

Harriet was born in Pawtucket, RI, daughter of the late Theodore F. and Harriet (Burns) Dugas. Harriet graduated from St. Xavier’s Academy in Providence, RI and continued her education at Pembroke College an extension of Brown University.

After Harriet and Bob were married, they started their life together in Pawtucket, RI, then moved to Cumberland, RI, followed by Woodcliff Lake, NJ, and finally settled in Raynham, MA where they resided for 30 years. After Bob’s death, Harriet moved to Middleboro, where she lived until her health declined.

First and foremost, Harriet was a wife, mother and homemaker to Bob and their four children. Harriet and Bob enjoyed square dancing for over 30 years. Harriet had many other talents including painting, sewing, needle point, crafting and playing the organ.

They were communicants of St. Anne’s Church in Raynham where Harriet was involved with the Women’s Guild for many years. She also loved her volunteer time at Morton Hospital in Taunton. Harriet and Bob enjoyed solving New York Times crossword puzzles while sitting by the pool or at the beach. They spent many happy times at Second Beach in Newport together with family and friends. She and Bob were fortunate to have traveled to many places around the world throughout their lives.

With all that said, Harriet’s biggest joy, came from spending time with her grandchildren. Her smile lit up the room whenever they were around her.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan Gray Davis of South Pasadena, CA; two sons, Robert Gray of Raynham, MA and Christopher J. and his wife Lisa (Di Monte) Gray of Mattapoisett, MA; five grandchildren, Christopher M. Gray, Justin Gray, Nicholas Gray, Ian Gray, Michael Danielson and several nieces and a nephew.

She was the mother of the late Michael J. Gray and the sister of the late Theodore Dugas and J. Vincent Dugas.

The family wishes to thank the staff, CNAs and nurses on the Whitfield Unit at Alden Court for their compassionate and quality care for the last five years. Harriet will forever be remembered on the Whitfield unit for her Palm Beach Attire and her quick wit which she delivered with a roll of her eyes and wave of her hand.

Harriet, Mum, Nana will be greatly missed by her loving family.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 2nd from 11 am -2 pm followed by a Catholic prayer service at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Rt. 6, Mattapoisett, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Beacon Hospice, 182 N. Main St., Fall River, MA 02720.

For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Florence R. (Rose) Monterio

on

Florence R. (Rose) Monterio, 96, of Marion, died January 28, 2019 at home. She was the widow of the late Antone E. Monterio and the daughter of the late Aurelio and Caroline (Renney) Rose.

She was born in Marion and lived there all of her life. She graduated from New Bedford Vocational School.

Mrs. Monterio worked as a solderer for Cornell Dubilier in New Bedford for many years. During WWII she worked for the Hingham Shipyard as a welder.

She was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Wareham and the Ladies Auxiliary of the former Benjamin D. Cushing Post 2425.

She was an avid Bingo player and Patriots fan. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, and furniture refinishing & upholstering.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Kathleen M. Monterio of Middleboro, Deborah Curry of Upper Marlboro, MD and Alice Monterio of Greenville, SC; a son, Stephen Rose of Marion; a sister, Dorothy Pope of Dartmouth; 16 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her son, Harry Monterio and her stepson, Anthony Monterio and her siblings, Dominga Merreles, Anna James, Domingo Rose, Louise Tucker, David Rose and Arthur Rose.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

Her funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 74 High St., Wareham. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery, Wareham.

Donations in her memory may be made to Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Sippican Historical Society

on

In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded one-half by the Sippican Historical Society and one-half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Due to the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office).

Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

This installment features 152 Front Street.  Another indication of Wharf Village’s rise as an important commercial and residential center is the former Handy’s Tavern at 152 Front Street.  Built in 1812, it was a popular gathering place for mariners after completing a day’s work on the waterfront or celebrating the successful conclusion of a voyage.  Perhaps more importantly, it was a stop on the Plymouth-to-New Bedford stagecoach route. The coming of the railroad to Marion in 1855 effectively terminated operations at Handy’s Tavern.  By that time, it was owned by former whaling captain Ben Handy, who commanded a famous whaler called the Admiral Blake.

Residents Squint at Latest Solar Proposal

on

The January 22 meeting of the Rochester Planning Board proved to be a long night’s journey under a fading Blood Moon, as three solar array projects came before the members.

First up with an informal presentation and discussion of a proposed solar array field on Marion Road located on property owned by Craig Canning, Rochester Farms LLC.

Represented by Sarah Rosenblat of SWEB Development, Canning’s project caused one abutter to tear up, and another to question how impacted his views would be once the solar panels were installed.

Rosenblat described a project where the panels would be installed on 2-foot tall support racks, meaning that the completed installation could not be seen from the roadway once the 7-foot tall stockade fencing was installed along with additional screening of native trees and plantings.

The 4-megawatt system will be one of the largest solar energy projects in the area, but Rosenblat asserted that that did not equate to more construction noise or disruption. She estimated that the project would take approximately six to eight weeks to build.

The Planning Board members for their part were primarily concerned with how the completed project would appear to the abutters and if the low profile of the panels would impact their efficiency in collecting the sun’s energy.

There was also some discussion amongst the board members as to whether or not the developer should be required to lease the screened areas as well as the production acreage versus simply using easement rights to maintain landscaping. This would become a bigger bone of contention when the next informal discussion came before the commission.

Abutter Dolores Dernier, 198 Marion Road, whose property is next door to the Canning property began her comment by saying, “I’m not going to object…” but found herself overcome by emotion and needed a moment to collect her thoughts, continuing on to lament “how one family can block my beautiful view.”

While the board was sympathetic, they also recognized Canning’s right to develop his property, with Chairman Arnold Johnson saying, “This wasn’t the project we wanted.” He also assured those in attendance that this was just an informal discussion and nothing was set in stone yet.

Rosenblat said Canning plans to continue to farm much of his acreage, but that some other parcels might be sold in the future. She said a rental agreement with Canning and a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with the town were the financial plans for the project.

But the board members also struggled with the height of the solar racks and their concern that heavy snowfall would bury the panels, prompting Planning Board member Ben Bailey to ask, “Is design of the project really up to us?” He thought it wasn’t in the purview of the Planning Board to concern itself with the design of the project but instead to focus on the screening of the project, while Johnson took a more holistic approach, believing the entire project was their responsibility.

“I disagree: I don’t think we should tell them about their design,” Bailey said.

Rosenblat presented 3-D renderings and visual simulation of what the project would look like once completed, and agreed to check several other abutters’ views before returning with more fleshed out technical documents.

Johnson said that, with a long list of large, complicated projects coming before the Planning Board in the coming months, the board would only be hearing such cases once a month versus several times in any given month. Canning’s project is awaiting a formal filing, so a continuation date was not noted at this time; however, a peer-review consultant fee of $3,000 was set.

Clean Energy Collective was next for their informal discussion of a proposed solar array on Sarah Sherman Road. Represented by Evan Watson of Prime Engineering, and Doug Carton of Clean Energy Collective, their project plans were basic and not ready for more than that, as Watson discussed the placement of solar panels well away from jurisdictional wetlands. He said, given the location of the solar arrays away from roadways and most existing structures, extensive screening might not be necessary. Watson invited the board members to visit the site, which was agreed upon.

Then once again came the issue of easements used for landscaping and screening purposes versus leased lands.

Johnson argued that leased lands stood a better change of being maintained for screening purposes versus easements. Watson and Carton countered that it was a matter of liability for the developer. Bailey again said he wasn’t opposed to expanding the leased area, but questioned if the board had the right to mandate such a business detail, saying, “What is our authority?” After further debate it was determined that town counsel should weigh in on the parameters of the board’s authority in such matters.

Borrego Solar Systems, represented by Steve Long, also came before the Planning Board as his solar array project located on Rounseville Road was faulted by the board for flooding on Mendell Road.

Long tried to explain that the stormwater flow could not have been anticipated, a point questioned by Johnson at several intersections in the conversation, and that they were working towards the removal of berms so that water would move away from the roadway. Johnson said that the removal of eight acres of mature pine trees was the problem, that the trees not only soaked up water they also held water back. Long countered that his project did not add more water to the property than prior to clearing, a point lost on the board members. Long will instruct the construction crew to remove berms and monitor stormwater flow moving forward.

Also coming before the board in a continued public hearing was Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering for a site plan review for property owned by Decas Real Estate Trust. The project is a planned conversion of an existing building for a daycare center. Stormwater plans were reviewed and Rogers pointed out changes that were made at the request of the Planning Board.

Things moved along smoothly until Johnson told Rogers that, given the heavy agendas anticipated in the coming weeks, his project wouldn’t be heard at the first meeting in February. Rogers took umbrage to having his client’s project pushed off, and urged the board to hear their filing as a pending real estate closing in April was in jeopardy. Johnson relented, as did the other board members. The application was continued until February 12.

The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for February 12 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Planning Board

By Marilou Newell