The Open Space Preservation Commission at its meeting Thursday voted unanimously to approve a request to commemorate the history of two Hopkinton properties with signage that would describe their significance in Hopkinton’s development from a farming and factory town to its current trail system.

Brian Colella, a member of the Historical Commission, approached the OSPC about the possibility of installing two signs to illustrate the history of the Hughes and Colella properties along Hayden Rowe Street at the Hughes Farm Trail and the town’s recently purchased property from the Colella family. His idea, which he also proposed to Historical Commission chair Michael Roughan, was for the signs to describe the importance of the land to subsistence farmers as well as the former shoemaking industry that drove the town’s economy. Pictures from the Historical Society could be incorporated into the design.

Colella added that as trails eventually are designed on the land, additional signs could be created to encapsulate more of Hopkinton’s history.

“The Hayden Rowe section of town has a unique sort of history to it,” he explained. “And it’s changed so much over time that I thought it would be a nice idea to create some sort of signage there.”

In his outline, he showed two potential signs, which would be funded by the Historical Commission if approved. He will present his proposal to the Historical Commission on Nov. 12. One sign would be “a little more informational,” describing the role of Indigenous people and highlighting the area’s architecture. The other sign would show pictures of the farms, shoe factories and houses of notable shoemakers.

Another interesting building Colella said he would like to feature was once called Hayden Rowe Hall. It formerly was a church, firehouse and the meetinghouse where the anti-slavery and temperance movements were discussed. In addition, he hoped that the sign also could show the location of the Hopkinton Historical Society.

He conceded that “the toughest part is keeping it concise.”

Members expressed support for the idea. Member Nancy Peters noted that when Hayden Rowe Hall was torn down, she asked that the triangular granite support beams be preserved.

Member Jane Moran suggested that the signs be incorporated into the trail system as educational tools.

“There is a lot of history there,” she said. “I’m excited to see how this will progress. I also see it as an ongoing story as the town continues to gain property.”

“We have some great trails here,” added Select Board member Joe Clark. “If we have the opportunity to educate people on a small part of the history of the town that is often overlooked, I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

The only concern voiced by chair Ed Harrow was trying to “distill down” all of the information Colella would like to see included into a cohesive package. Colella said he would return to the OSPC over the next two months with updates on the project.

Fruit Street bridges in ‘rough shape’

Member Steve Levandosky reported that the bridge that connects to Fruit Street is deteriorating to the point that it may be beyond repair. He suggested that signage be placed there to warn people of the damage. The bridge is about 30 feet long and about 6 feet wide.

Peters pointed out that there are two bridges there, one that is “in rough shape” and a second one that crosses a stream and is in worse condition. They can be accessed by walking behind the Wood Street Fire Station for about half a mile.

Moran said it may need to be demolished and replaced. Levandosky said the concrete footings “appear to be in good shape,” which would make the rebuilding process easier.

Whitehall area experiences bittersweet issue

Harrow explained that bittersweet grew past the stakes that he and a colleague had placed to demarcate the land a couple of years ago. Invasive weed growth has been a chronic issue in this area.

At this point, Harrow suggested that a professional be hired to manage the invasive species. He will seek advice from wetlands consultant Joe Orzell and report back to the board at its December meeting.

Construction materials yet to be removed

Harrow added that there was also “an encroachment issue” on Winter Street that needed to be addressed. It appeared that a contractor left behind “some construction debris,” including two sawhorses, on OSPC property. This issue came up at a prior meeting. Harrow said he would consult with Shannon Isaacs, a Land Use Department administrative assistant, on drafting a letter to the contractor requesting that the debris be removed.