XII. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Although small in size, Dover has a commercial
district in the center of Town that offers limited shopping and
services (i.e., a gas station, grocery store, lunch counter, etc.).
In addition to these commercial facilities, the churches, Library,
Caryl School, Charles River School, the Town House, Fire and Police
Station, Post Office, Sawin Memorial Building, the Medical-Professional
Building on Springdale Avenue, Springdale Crossings (a small office
building in the converted railroad terminal), and the American Legion
Hall are all located in the town center. The Legion Hall provides
not only a center for Legion activities, but is also often used
by other town groups for meetings and social events.
DOVER CHURCHES
At present, Dover has four churches: the Dover
Church, an inter-denominational Protestant church located in the
center of town on Springdale Avenue; St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church,
also located on Springdale Avenue; the Catholic Church of the Most
Precious Blood on Centre Street; and Grace Church on Centre Street.
DOVER HISTORICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
The Society was incorporated in 1900. There are
now approximately 280 members, presided over by elected officers.
Membership in the Society is open to all Dover residents upon payment
of annual dues. The Society is the trustee of the Caryl House
on Dedham Street, which was built in the eighteenth century and
owned by the community's first minister. The Society owns the Sawin
Memorial Building which stands on one acre of land at the junction
of Dedham and Center Streets. It houses documents and artifacts
of importance to the Town's history. The Society also supports an
active program on Dover Historical Research and sponsors several
archaeological digs in the town.
DOVER HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The Dover Historical Commission consists of three
members appointed by the Selectmen for three year terms. Its main
function is the identification and recording of the historical assets
of the community and the preservation of old town documents.
DOVER NEWSPAPERS
The Town is served by three weekly commercial newspapers,
the Dover Sherborn Suburban Press and The Dover
Tab, and the Dover Hometown Weekly, which
provide coverage of governmental and community affairs.
OTHER TOWN ORGANIZATIONS
Dover is proud of its small town character. Yet
within the town, there are a variety of private groups and clubs
offering recreation, service and educational opportunity to all
ages. In addition to the programs sponsored by the Dover Park and
Recreation Commission, there are scouting activities for
young people. Several active garden clubs not only contribute
to their members' horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm but also
maintain "mini-parks" and work with the school children,
especially regarding conservation and ecology.
For the politically oriented, there are Town
Republican and Democratic Committees as well as a Republican
Women's Club. The League of Women Voters is a strictly non-partisan
organization whose purpose is to promote political responsibility
through informed and active participation of citizens in government;
it is open to all residents upon payment of annual dues.
The Dover Foundation, a tax-deductible charitable
organization, began with the dual purpose of bringing the townspeople
together through the medium of one big theatrical function a year,
and of raising money for a scholarship fund. Incorporated in 1950,
the Foundation has become an integral part of the Town's affairs.
It produces at least one theatrical production a year, which is
the main source of income. Aided by residents, the Foundation has
consistently instituted and supported various types of civic activities.
The Dover Social Club plans monthly socials
with the main purpose of getting together people in the Town. The
Club has a wide variety of social activities and also sponsors the
annual Dover Days Fair in May. All residents are welcome to join.
For some people, there is a need to travel out
of Dover for certain services. For example, many doctors' offices
and hospitals are located in the nearby towns of Needham, Natick,
Wellesley and Newton, among other towns. Recreational facilities
such as swimming pools and golf courses are provided by private
country clubs, YMCA's, and local colleges. For additional information,
the Dover Library is a useful resource.
The Dover League of Women Voters hopes that this
booklet has helped you understand the Town of Dover from its history
to its current day-to-day activities. If you have any questions,
please contact the appropriate Board or Committee or call the Town
House. Hopefully, your residency in Dover will be pleasurable and
long!
For membership or other League information, please contact us
at the Town website (www.doverma.org) or at the following address:
Dover League of Women Voters
PO Box 583
Dover, MA 02030-0583
.
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