HHA November Program: Stories of Hudson’s Schools

For its November meeting, Hudson Heritage Association welcomes the co-authors of the soon-to-be-published “History of the Hudson Public Schools,” a coffee-table book that promises to be the definitive history of Hudson’s public schools.

A teacher and students stand in front of a township schoolhouse near the corner of Barlow and Darrow roads around 1910.

Co-authors and longtime Hudson residents Laurie Williams and Michele Collins will share photos and stories as they give attendees a sneak peek at their research and their new book, which will be published by Hudson City Schools in the coming months. The book is edited by alumnus Kabir Bhatia. Their presentation will be part of Hudson Heritage Association’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at Hudson’s Barlow Community Center, 41 South Oviatt Street.

Hudson’s first school was also its first church and town meeting hall: a log cabin built in 1802 on the Historic Green, said Williams, who taught in Hudson schools for almost 30 years. The log cabin was located near where the town gazebo sits today.

“The excellent reputation of Hudson’s schools really began with David Hudson,” she added. “He brought a passion and commitment to education to the Western Reserve. He wanted to make sure his new community in the wilderness shared that same passion and commitment.”

Built in 1868, Hudson’s Union School brought all of students in the village into one building, located on Oviatt Street. The school was condemned in 1912. In 1916, Hudson Elementary School was built on the site.

In the 19th century, before the days of school buses and parent drop-offs, Hudson grew to have as many as nine district schoolhouses around the village and township, according to Williams. At least one of those buildings is still standing.

The presentation will use photos and historical documentation to trace the timeline of school buildings and the grades they served throughout the years.

Williams urges graduates of Hudson’s schools to attend the presentation and share their stories with her.

“Yes, we’ve written a book about Hudson’s schools, but there is so much more we don’t know and would love to learn,” she said.

Don Husat, Hudson Heritage Association co-president, said: “Hudson’s long history of unique charm, architectural beauty and excellent quality of life could never have happened without a corresponding long history of extraordinary public schools. They go hand-in-hand.

“Hudson Heritage Association is glad to have the opportunity to educate the community about the history of our exceptional schools.”

The meeting is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

What: HHA’s November meeting: “The History of Hudson’s Public Schools”
When: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2018
Where: Barlow Community Center, 41 South Oviatt Street, Hudson.
Who: Everyone. This program is free and open to the public.