Farming Years at Western Reserve Academy Topic of HHA September Meeting

The September 11th meeting of the Hudson Heritage Association will look at an almost forgotten chapter of Hudson’s history: the Western Reserve Academy Farm, which operated from 1916 to 1953.

Western Reserve Academy Archivist Tom Vince will provide an overview of the WRA farm years, which included operation of the Evamere Farm and agricultural studies at the school. Evamere Farm was the estate of James Ellsworth, one of Hudson’s most noted benefactors. Evamere Farm was located along the southeast side of Aurora Street. Much of the property became part of the Hudson Public Schools, although a gatehouse to the estate and some of the brick walls that enclosed the property still remain.

Mr. Vince’s presentation will be illustrated with archival photos, maps and film footage, along with stories of the on-site maple sugaring enterprise, as well as the ice house operation and the pond from which ice was harvested every winter. Special guest Bert Szabo, the manager of the farm during its latter years, will share his recollections of the farm in the 1950s.

The Hudson Heritage Association meeting is free and open to the public and will be held at the Barlow Community Center in Hudson.   The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and will conclude with refreshments. For more information, call 330-342-7996