Baldwin-Buss-Merino House

The Baldwin-Buss-Merino house, built in 1825 by Augustus Baldwin, a prosperous early merchant and eldest of the seven sons of one of Hudson’s original proprietors, Judge Stephen Baldwin, is a high-style Federal house associated with well-known local businessmen throughout its history. John Buss, its second owner, had a popular general store nearby and acted as justice of the peace and, at times, town banker. The Buss family was followed by the Merino family, which operated Merino’s Beer and Wine Store nearby and owned the home from 1907-2020.

When Rich Merino passed away in 2016, local historians and preservationists focused on ensuring that the property was not razed, would remain in its present location and that its cultural legacy would survive. Ultimately, the house and property were put up for sale. The Baldwin-Buss House Foundation (BBHF) was established and began a campaign to raise public awareness and funds to buy the property. Although their efforts fell short of the asking price, in 2020, Peg’s Foundation & Gallery stepped in to secure the purchase and partner with the BBHF. A five-year restoration process ensued, eventually returning the house to its former glory.

The Federal façade of flush, matched boards has four fluted Ionic pilasters and capitals, and a draped fanlight. The sophistication of the design shows the master hand of its builder, Colonel Lemuel Porter, who had just completed the Congregational Church in Tallmadge. The interior contains all but one of its original Adamesque mantels. The scrollwork on the stair soffit shows the influence of Owen Biddle’s 1805 pattern book, and the detailing, both interior and exterior, reflects patterns in at least two Asher Benjamin books and one by William Pain. The south wing is original to the structure. Although the wing’s exterior remains historically accurate, the interior was adaptively rehabilitated for contemporary use. An eclosed hipped roof front porch addition that obscured the lower front façade was removed during the restoration.

The Baldwin-Buss-Merino House is one of eight notable structures in Hudson chosen by the federal government to be included in the Historic American Buildings Survey; detailed architectural drawings of the house are kept at the U.S. Library of Congress.