Finally getting off that hill, I had to sneak between a couple of Mac Mansions to get out to a road which turned out to be called "Oland Ln". As I walked out the driveways and onto the road, there to the side, what is this?
Is it from a farmer clearing his field?
Someone being tidy with their spare rocks? Nearby was a dam that looked to be from the 18th century.A larger pile like this is comparatively rare. Much easier to find a marker pile site than one of these.
10 comments :
Those are some fine looking rocks.
There are wonderful rocks piles in Norwich Connecticut where I grew up.
Robin
If you are exploring Southborough feel free to come check out the odd rock wall in our back yard over on High Ridge Road. It runs perpendicular to the old rail path, and is in the middle of our triangle shaped property. Email ren.provo@gmail.com for details.
I ran into a similar type of stone configurations while working on a site near the Nipsachuck Swamp. The location was a colonial homestead, and it had a large book runing along side the old cellar hole, which was one the house,at the old cart path there was a small bridge over the brook and just below the bridge was a stone dan. The dan no longer functions but the general shape of the structure is still present.
Near by were several large piles of stones in many way like the ones in Peter's photos. I checked out the old deeds in the town records and the sale mentioned the dam structure, used to store water for cows. There was no real farming in the locale, so often cows and pigs were raised for sale and personal consumption.
Hope this helps. Dr, Fred Meli.
I think there are hints of badly damaged structure in the last picture - like an inner chamber to the rock pile, long since torn apart.
I just met someone from Oland rd.
He said that that area was settled by Indians when the first house was built on the rd. Indians were still in the woods there nearby. The area is very rich in Indian history. All the land is owened by EMC which has plans to build on it. It has been a contentious battle for the last few years to save the land. EMC is apparently tring to keep it low key on the indian History of the land. The historical society does know of indian orgins on the land there, but not to the extent that they should. I showed him your photos and he was impressed and never knew of all the piles and association behind them. Oland rd also was the residence of the movie actor who played detective Charlie Chan.
I asked him to post some more info here and details.
Keith
Please know that this is a pretty important area. If it is threatened I hope someone mentions in email at rockpilesmail@gmail.com
There are amazing formations throughout this area. The adjoining property owned by EMC and is under review for subdivision and substantial development. If you would like to document the area before it is forever changed, hurry. The next scheduled public meeting on the proposed development is May 5, 2008, a decision on the development is due within 90 days.
Did not get that message till 2010.
The EMC open space starts at the end of our street. The good news is the Town of Southborough and EMC have not worked out final plans for development so you are able to roam pre-development.
http://www.mysouthborough.com/2009/05/12/emc-gets-approval-from-conservation-commission-but-will-it-build/ includes a map of the area.
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