Town Clerk's office brings tunes to Town Hall

The Wareham Town Hall at 54 Marion Road has seen many things throughout its 87 years, from elections to countless Christmas decorating contests— there's fun to be had in the historic walls.

Including at the Town Clerk's office, where a sign that reads "sing for excellent service or ring the bell for mediocre service" greets those inquiring about various records and files. According to Assistant Town Clerk Shayne Martin, this isn't a tradition that started recently. 

Former Town Clerk Michele Bissonnette was at the forefront of the singing movement. 

"She was all about getting people to smile," Martin said. 

The sign is there in good humor to get guests to ring the bell as the clerk's office often can't see patrons at their window. Martin said about 30% of the people who read it end up singing a tune. 

"I would say about 80% of the time though it gets a laugh, and people comment on it all the time," she said.

Many will advise the clerks that their singing is no good but that they still want good service regardless. Martin said that with the office being in such a popular spot, she's just glad it's another way to know a resident is there.

"Everyone's afraid to ring that bell," she said. "Don't be afraid to ring that bell." 

Since the sign was erected, the office have gotten regulars who will sing just to sing. They encourage people to sing simple songs like "Mary Had A Little Lamb," or "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," but will sometimes have standout performers. 

"There was an older gentlemen that would come by and he didn't even need anything from us, but he would just start singing opera," she said.

No matter the song choice, the clerk said it brightens up her day when someone will pop by singing. 

"We always tell them we don't judge them, we're just here to inspire," she said.