Forgotten memories of Hudson, N.Y.

07/30/2026

Circa, 1950's: Ferry, South Front and Fleet Streets

Constructed in the late 1830s, this 18,000+ square foot park was once a bustling community hub, an extension of the surrounding working-class homes. The landscape was a mix of grass, packed dirt and concrete, with a few hardy shade trees throughout. The park even had play areas and benches, all enclosed by a wrought iron fence and surrounded by three streets and sunken train tracks, separating the park from the waterfront. This park was once known as Franklin Square.

Prior to 1838, many early Nantucket settlers had constructed buildings in the area, including the dwellings of John Alsop and Seth Jenkins. Mr. Alsop's home was known locally as the Swain House. These two buildings were actually erected on the North side of what would become Franklin Square. In the year 1838, a tragic event, known to locals as "The Great Fire" occurred on South Front, Fleet and Ferry Streets, destroying around 70 buildings. Some of the buildings would be rebuilt, but this block in particular was so devastated that a decision was made to turn the area into a park. Franklin Square was originally a real square until the 1850s, when the construction of the railroad would cut the park in two.

In its early years, families used the park for picnics and simple walks to enjoy the river and fresh air in the densely populated area. Once the railroad was built, it became a space where industrial grime met childhood freedom. The rhythmic clack-clack-clack of railroad cars passing, the piercing wail of train whistles and the smell of burning coal would mingle with the sounds of children shouting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere. They could be seen playing games like stick ball, marbles, kick the can and jacks. The dirt at Franklin Square was black from the soot of passing locomotives and would turn the children's shoes and feet black.

Eventually the park would introduce play equipment for the children. The rugged steel play equipment included a merry-go-round that "could launch you into orbit", see-saws, wooden swings, a metal jungle gym, a single basketball backboard and hoop, monkey bars, a slide and a cement pond that was very popular in the summertime. As time passes the smell of burning coal was replaced by the smell of diesel but the constant, rhythmic presence of passing trains remained. In the 50s and 60s, kids would play here until the streetlights came on. On Friday nights, Franklin Square would host a movie night where most remember the screen blowing over in the wind or not being able to hear anything while the trains passed, but enjoying it nonetheless.

Franklin Square also held Jack's tournaments, Checker and chess tournaments, fastest draw contests, doll shows and different arts and crafts throughout its life. People walked their dogs here, children spent their summers here and countless memories were made here. The fond memories of the park are now just that, memories. Sadly, after 130 years Franklin Square fell victim to the Urban Renewal Projects of the early 1970s. Today, the park that was once a "paradise" to so many has been paved over to be made a parking lot and part of the Hudson Terrace Apartments.

06/19/2026

Circa, 1900: 4 Spring Street

Constructed in the late 1800s, this 1,232 square foot, two story, timber frame farmhouse features asbestos siding, double hung windows, a small front porch, a gable pediment and an asphalt shingle roof situated on a brick and stone foundation. Inside the home is a full basement, dining room, kitchen, living room, three bedrooms and one bathroom. The rooms have beautiful wide board floors, vintage light fixtures, plaster walls and beautiful woodwork. This house was once the home of Robert and Hattie Williams.

Robert Williams was born in 1841 in North Carolina to an African-American Indian father and a British mother from Ohio. Robert would receive an education, learning to read and write and would later go on to serve in both the Confederate and Union navies during the Civil War. He served from 1861 to 1862, switching allegiances after he left Charleston on the Confederate ship, Abermarle, which had an all black crew. He would then transfer to the USS Hetzel, the USS Hunchback and later to USS Tehsil, which were Union vessels. In the mid-1800s, Robert would come to settle in Hudson.

In 1866, Robert would marry Jane Jimpson, whom herself was originally from Kinderhook. In 1867, he would purchase property on Spring Street, gradually acquiring more through the years, obtaining about half the street. Together, Robert and Jane had eight children including Earnest, Emma C., Frank, Charles, and Arthur. Sadly, after 10 years of marriage, Jane passed away. A year later, in 1876, Robert would marry second wife, Hattie Jackson. By then the family had a small farm, where they grew vegetables, raised cows and had a barn with horses. Their home even had electricity, running water, and a party-line telephone that was used by the neighborhood too.

Robert worked as a teamster, which was a commercial driver who managed a team of horses and was also employed at Macy’s Lumber Yard on Union Street. Robert was very involved in the community and was even a founding member of St. John’s Methodist Church, which was located below 3rd Street on Columbia Street and later became the Colored Citizens Club. The Church was an important part of family and community life. Every Sunday the Williams family would attend St. John's Methodist Church, of which Robert was also an elder. After the church was disbanded it was demolished and sold. The members then went to AME Zion or Shiloh Baptist.

Hattie was known for having quilting parties at their house and taking care of family entertainment, which often consisted of picnics, church socials, or going to the Electric Park in Kinderhook by trolley car. There was once a trolley that ran between Hudson and Albany they would catch between Spring Street and Glenwood Boulevard. Hattie was a “proper” lady, always having the table set for dinner and making sure the children changed their clothes before sitting at the dinner table. She was also quite skilled in identifying weeds, and herbs for food and medicinal uses. As the children grew Robert would give each of them a piece of land, on which many built a home that still stands today. The familys message to the future is "We are all human. There are no bounds to what you can achieve if you have a goal, you work towards it."

05/19/2026

Circa, 1940's: 6 Power Avenue

Constructed in the 1800s, this two-story timber frame structure was situated on 1.5 acres of land and sat on a concrete foundation. The home featured a steeply pitched, shingled gabled roof, tightly sealed, horizontal clapboard siding, large, double-hung windows and shutters for temperature control and a single brick chimney, centered at the peak of the roofline. When constructed, the home sat on the Hudson Riverfront and remained so until around 1850, when the construction of the Hudson River Railroad line would cut it off. This building was once home to David and Anna Hoyt.

A young David B. Hoyt would meet the beautiful Anna M. Madison and fall in love. David would ask for Anna's hand in marriage and they pair would move into the house at 6 Power Ave. Here, David and Anna would build a vibrant life, raising their seven children, daughters Bertha A. (born November 11, 1930) Doris and Ann and sons, Lonnie R. (born December 18, 1938) Charles B., Donald and David within its walls. While David Sr. was at work, Anna acted as the heartbeat of the home, spending her days hanging laundry on the line or managing other chores, like disposing of trash in the burn barrel or readying meals for the family.You could often find the Hoyt children filling the surrounding woods with sounds of play and laughter.

Though they had little in the way of modern comforts, David and Anna instilled a sense of deep richness within their family, making 6 Power Avenue a cherished home. The Hoyts and others who lived in the neighborhood, including the Kogelmans, W**ds, Klucerists, Hafners, Gaschels, Hardys, Lagitchs, Resslers, Lippmans, Felix and Karolena Macher, Joanne Macher, Adella Rouse, Dorris and Joe Madison, and John Hayes, lived a simple, independent life in Simpsonville. Named after original landowner Joel T. Simpson, the homes here were never connected to Hudson’s sewer system. Instead, the community relied largely on water pumps for cold water and utilized outhouses.

There were no street lights, the road was dirt and there was an abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and various species of waterfowl. As the children grew, they would forge their own paths. Lonnie would serve in the Army from 1956 to 1958, marry Jennie Snow, and have three children, Ricky J., Lonnie Jr. and Robert. Lonnie would later own and operate the Once Around Antique shop in Greenport. Bertha, who worked at the Mushroom Factory and later KAZ Inc., married Charles Henry W**d and raised six children, Charles D., Dennis W., Donald E., Fay, Ann Marie and Marion L.. Charles would marry Beverly Joan C**n, who also grew up in Simpsonville, and together they raised two sons, Chuck and Ron.

The community's origins date back to the early 19th century when it was known as "Simpson's Landing." The 98 acres, stretched from Power Ave & Bay Road (S. 3rd St.), to Gifford Wood Works (present day Hudson Avenue). After Mr. Simpsons death, the property was purchased by a Miss Ensign and Miss Stackapole. The Community remained occupied by a few residents until the late 1970's. The homes were later photographed and documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey before demolition began. As the last buildings came down, Power Ave Industrial Park was going up. Today, the only reminder of this community is a concrete staircase connecting Power Avenue with South Third Street, in front of what was once the Hoyt's home.

05/05/2026

First Reformed Church Fire

The Church was constructed in 1836 on the South side of Warren Streets 400 block. 71 years ago, on Mother’s Day, May 5, 1955, a fire would break out and the church would be reduced to rubble. following the tragedy, the Warren Theater would open their doors to the congregation for church services. An identical building was later built at 52 Green St and is still in use today.

Clip from Ingrid Wheeler film

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