The Town of Rochester was
founded in 1679 and incorporated in 1686. At that time the area now
known as Marion, Mattapoisett and West Wareham were all part of
Rochester. These towns were subsequently separated from Rochester and by
1857 Rochester stood alone, having had the foresight to reserve rights
on the seashores of the other towns. That is why residents of Rochester
enjoy rights for shellfish licenses and beach use in communities not
their own.
Zoning in Rochester includes industrial, general
commercial and residential/agricultural uses. The town's center includes
the town hall, library, First Congregational Church and vestry. Across
from these buildings is the Plumb Corner Mall, a source of pride to town
residents because it was designed to harmonize architecturally with the
town green. There are several riding stables in town as well as the
Rochester Golf Club, which recently expanded its 9-hole course to an
18-hole course, and a park in the town center which serves as the
location for several teams from the active Little League.
Residents describe their community as rural and
residential and point out
that it still retains many of the farms which were originally
the
foundation of the town 300 years ago. A quiet, beautiful place
within
which to live and grow, is their final word on their home
town.
(Seal and narrative supplied by community)