|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Town Profiles
Marion -
www.townofmarion.org
Marion is a town that captures the essence and heart of New
England. The streets in the village section of Marion are
lined with houses that are reminiscent of a time long since
past. The New England charm of tree-lined streets and white
picket fences is evident throughout the village. There is
still a General Store in the center of the village and the
Post Office is directly across the street. Marion is also
home to Tabor Academy, a well-known preparatory school. The
picture perfect campus spreads out across the center of the
town. Marion's harbor is listed on the charts as Sippican
Harbor. It is one of the prettiest harbors in Buzzards Bay.
In the summer the harbor is filled with boats of every size.
Buzzards Bay is a is a boater's paradise. It is known for
its southwest winds that kick up a blow almost every
afternoon.
After the Pilgrims arrived in 1620, different grants were
issued to different towns. A grant was issued to Rochester
and the land that it included is known today as Rochester,
Marion, Mattapoisett and parts of Wareham. At the time
Rochester was created, what is now known as Marion was known
as Sippican, named for the Indian tribe that lived here.
Mattapoisett was always known as Mattapoisett, an Indian
name, which they kept. Marion area Indians were members of
the Wampanoag tribe who, when the Pilgrims came, lived in a
number of villages in Southeastern Massachusetts under the
leadership of the great Indian chief Massasoit.
Marion's luxurious oceanfront location shaped the town's
present as a getaway for vacationers and a quiet seaside
nook for residents. Historically, Marion began welcoming
visitors, looking to kick back and relax in gorgeous
surroundings, in the mid-1800s. Wealthy Boston vacationers
started frequenting Marion's sparkling shores, and a new
railroad allowed for easier travel between the South Coast
and northern points. The new money coming in was evidenced
by the stately homes built along the water, many summer
retreats for generations who still spend time in Marion
today. Marion boasts its share of historic homes and
buildings as a result, and the town maintains a quaint
village feel, with brick buildings adorned with plaques,
nestled on narrow streets.
Whether tuning into the latest jazz band at one of the
musical venues or sipping an espresso at a tiny coffee shop,
there is much appeal all year; but the sun's rays shine
brightest on Marion in the summer months. Boating is a
favorite activity, and the town is well known for its annual
competitions. The Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race
includes area veteran racers and newcomers with the goal to
sail the 645 miles due south to Bermuda over several days.
This event, as well as the Buzzard's Bay Regatta, is an
annual tradition, highlighting Marion's fantastic harbor. In
addition to yachting and boating, Marion boasts several
pristine beaches and parks for the little ones. Take a
stroll along Bird Island and view the town's oldest
lighthouse. One of the first lighthouses built on Buzzards
Bay in 1819, it was decommissioned in 1935 because it needed
extensive repairs. However, a major fund raising effort in
1994 yielded $123,000 to restore the lighthouse; and it was
re-lit in 1997. The town maintains its nautical ties first
forged in the 1800s. Marion helped supply the gear and
necessities for ships setting sail from neighbors New
Bedford and Fairhaven, and its main export commodity was sea
salt. Today, tackle shops and boat repair services still dot
the waterfront. Marion's recreational offerings extend
beyond the sun and surf, and the town is a cultural hub of
activity. Marion was once home to famous writers and
artists, and their work can be seen in the Marion Art
Center. Consisting of two galleries, a small theatre and a
studio, the Art Center also offers a special camp for
children during the summer with dance, theater, music and
art workshops. Wealthy town resident Elizabeth Taber donated
the library, which bears her name, Union Hall, Music Hall
and Tabor Academy, among other buildings, to the town in the
late 1800s, helping to lay the foundation for the arts
Marion celebrates. Educational offerings include public and
private schools, the most well known being Tabor Academy.
Located on miles of land, the Academy boasts an oceanology
laboratory, a hockey rink, an enormous library and theatre,
and its own access to the ocean where students engage in
kayaking and rowing.
Population: 5,068 (2002)
Land Area: 14.63 square miles
Established: 1852
Density: 307 per square mile
Government: Open Town Meeting
Tax Rate: $7.00 per thousand
Public Schools:
Supt. of Schools: (508) 758-2772
1 Elementary School; 1 Regional Jr. High School; 1 Regional
High School; 1 Regional Vocational High School
Transportation: None
WSR thanks The Standard Times for regional data. |
|
| |
|
|
|
