Mayors Corner – Mayor Jeffrey L. Anzevino

Hudson’s History and Heritage

The month of June marked some key milestones for the city of Hudson’s 225th anniversary, and I want to extend a sincere “thank you” and words of appreciation to everyone involved. As such, thank you to the Hudson League for Service and for your willingness to collaborate during this year’s Ice Cream Social, to city staff for their continued support and hard work on our events and programs, to our local merchants who helped us advertise and promote our anniversary, to the Western Reserve Academy for your collaboration and joint efforts to honor our combined history and to all of the residents who attend events and support our local economy. All of these efforts and actions are paramount in helping to keep our community the charming, vibrant and unique city that is Hudson.

To the above, if you have not yet experienced the illuminated oak tree on the campus of the Western Reserve Academy, please consider making plans to visit this amazing tribute to WRA’s upcoming bicentennial as well as recognition of the interconnected roots and history with the city of Hudson. WRA has carefully and respectfully wrapped an oak tree with over 75K white lights. The tree will be illuminated every day from dusk to 11 p.m. and is located just northeast of Main Street and Chapel Street. Congratulations to the Western Reserve Academy.

To the above, did you know that after traveling 56 days from Goshen, Connecticut, David Hudson first set foot in this area on June 17, 1799, and then on June 26, 1799, after arriving in the center of the township, he decided to start a settlement? This collective part of the Connecticut Western Reserve was originally designated as Township 4, Range 10, but would soon be named “Hudson” in his honor. I hope you agree, that David Hudson would be incredibly proud of what his settlement has become and how Hudson has retained many of the characteristics and resemblances of a historic Connecticut town mapped out and around a central open area.

To the present time, Hudson has been busy welcoming some new businesses to our city. Please look to the websites for the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the City of Hudson and our social media profiles for more information on recent and upcoming additions to our local economy. If you have not yet signed up for the city’s weekly E-News, please consider doing so by visiting the city’s website and clicking on the “News & Alerts” link. Furthermore, if you have not yet viewed any of my “Meet the Merchant” episodes on Facebook or Instagram, please consider watching and learning more about some of our unique, local merchants here in Hudson. There are currently 15 episodes released over the last two seasons, with more to come.

On a final note, please responsibly and respectfully enjoy this year’s 4th of July holiday in honor of our country’s independence, which is 248 years young.

Cheers and salute. ∞

Hudson May Days

Hello, Hudson and happy May Days. The month of May is an exciting time, not just because the weather is warming up and filled with more therapeutic sunshine, but also because the month of May officially kicks off the event season here in Hudson both in and around our downtown area. Please continue to look to the various resources from the city, the chamber of commerce or the visitor center to obtain more information and to stay up to date on all of the fun and exciting things happening in our beautiful city this spring and summer.

One key event in May is Hudson’s annual Memorial Day parade that goes through downtown and ends at Markillie Cemetery with a ceremony and tribute to our fallen military heroes. The parade will begin on Monday, May 27, at 10 a.m., and will start at Milford Road, then go east on Route 303 and then north on Route 91/Main Street. Residents and businesses can apply to respectfully participate in the parade, noting a deadline of May 3. Call or check the city website for more information.

As previously mentioned, the 365-Day Kindness Rock Garden has been installed and officially dedicated to the community on April 19. Three large planter pots have been painted by Door2 Art Studio, which hold blank rocks and ones decorated by students at both Seton Catholic School and Hudson Middle School. The rock garden surrounds “Melody,” the large, focal piece from the Birdsong project and this combined attraction is located on the Park Lane Green, which is adjacent to the historic Baldwin-Buss House and across the road from the downtown Gazebo. The community is encouraged to “Take One, Leave One, Share One & Help Spread Kindness All Year Long.”

As an additional update, work continues and more planning is underway to celebrate Hudson’s 225th anniversary this June. We will be combining some details with this year’s Ice Cream Social on Friday, June 21, as coordinated by the Hudson League for Service. In addition, residents will soon see banners on some of the light poles around downtown, designed to recognize and celebrate David Hudson establishing a settlement here in June 1799. A proclamation is in the works as well as various facts and information on the early days of Hudson. The chamber of commerce is busy working with our local merchants to collectively engage on ways to both celebrate our anniversary and drive foot traffic to help support our local economy. Stay tuned and Happy 225th Birthday, Hudson.

On a final note and once again as the end of the school season approaches and warm weather continues to bring out more people to attend events, shop, ride bicycles, walk or jog, etc., please be mindful of pedestrian traffic. Be alert, plan ahead and help keep Hudson just as beautiful of a city that David Hudson once envisioned back in 1799 and one that he would be proud to see today.

Thank you. ∞