NEWTON FALLS — The Newton Falls Preservation Foundation has been able to secure and place three large signs noting the two historic dams located in the community and about the canal that once went through Newton Falls.

Lisa Hoerig, president of the NFPF, said two signs are by the canal in the village’s downtown, with one on the west side of the river in Veterans’ Park, the other on the east side of the river off Broad Street near McDonald’s and a dog park, and the third by the second canal off First Street.

She said the signs feature images of and tell of the history of the canals, buildings and factories once located by the canal and the aqueduct.

The signs were installed in late summer by the street department.

The Canal Society of Ohio reached out to the foundation to submit a grant application to seek funds for the signs.

Hoerig said representatives of the society came to Newton Falls for a tour of the two canals a few years ago and then approved $3,000 to help the foundation with costs for the signs, which were made by Pannier Company of Pennsylvania, which created signs for the canals in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Hoerig said the 82-mile Pennsylvania-Ohio Canal started in Akron and went east into Pennsylvania, with Newton Falls along the waterway path.

“The canal was very important in Ohio. There are parts of the canal you can see from Ravenna Road,” she said.

She said just as the village has signs for the historic covered bridge, the foundation wanted markers for the canals.

SIGN STIPULATIONS

“The only stipulation was the signs had to relate to the industry on the canal, such as transportation or industry, and be in a high-traffic area where they would be visible,” she said.

Hoerig, who grew up in Newton Falls, remembers the falls, the factories and the canal.

She said the information on each sign is different, with one featuring a large map of the canal route and downtown area.

“There were hydroelectric plants and mills on both sides in the early 1900s,” she said, noting one was Eagle Mills and the other the old Hoyle Woolen Mill, built in 1825, which made wool blankets. The Woolen Mill was enlarged in 1843.

Hoerig said there was also a grist mill known as the “flour mill” built in 1811 and a sawmill built in 1806, which would later house the Hoyle Woolen Mill. Both Eagle Mills and the Hoyle Woolen Mill were bought by an electric company in the early 1900s.

Hoerig said when people come to see the covered bridge in Newton Falls, the canals are also a site of interest.

She said she was always surprised the canal was not covered in Ohio history classes in school.

Kathy Rapczak, treasurer for the foundation, said the signs were a long time in coming but are “a wonderful addition for the community.”

“The signs were very well done. They are nice additions to our quaint town. I am glad the Newton Falls Preservation Foundation was able to get them,” she said.

Rapczak said she went to the meeting with the representatives of the Ohio Canal Society and was impressed with the knowledge of the local canals.

“The canal and dams are part of the local history, and we need to remember them. The signs now will help,” Rapczak said.

Hoerig said the foundation is also planning to apply for Ohio bronze markers similar to the marker at the Newton Falls covered bridge.

Newton Falls Councilwoman Julie Stimpert and Village Manager Jamie Vernaccini, who are both working on getting historic markers for the village’s downtown area, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, praised the efforts of the foundation.

Stimpert said there have been talks for several years of getting signs to highlight the dams.

“The signs they were able to get are absolutely a nice addition for our community,” Stimpert said, indicating officials want to promote many parts of Newton Falls to bring visitors to the community.

Vernaccini supports the efforts of the society.

She said since she became village manager in the summer, she has been very impressed at the efforts of community members and council working to promote Newton Falls, its businesses and the historic sites.