Next Meeting: Thurs, Jan 9, 7:00pm at Barlow Community Center. Michelle Shaefer, on the History of Hudson’s Wood Hollow Park.
Neighbors Join Forces to Research Their Historic Homes
Hudson Heritage Association’s November meeting will feature next-door neighbors – the Swedenborgs at 94 Aurora Street and the Campanellis at 98 Aurora Street – speaking about how they joined together to research their historic homes and earn HHA Historic Markers.
The meeting will be Thursday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Barlow Community Center. It is free and open to the public.
94 Aurora Street (in foreground at right) and 98 Aurora Street (at left)
On their journey toward their coveted HHA Historic Markers, the neighbors discovered previously unknown connections between their properties and uncovered new mysteries. They discovered a tragic fire, unique links to Hudson’s earliest settlers and fascinating stories about their homes’ inhabitants.
“Every historic home in Hudson has compelling stories, in both its architecture and in the generations of people who called it home,” said Inga Walker, HHA co-president. “The research done in the quest for an HHA Historic Marker gives homeowners something remarkable: a full biography of their house. It also creates a resource for everyone interested in the unique history of our special town.”
The Swedenborgs live in the Ransom M. Sanford House at 94 Aurora Street, which was built in 1887. Sanford was a preeminent 19th Century carpenter/joiner/builder who constructed warehouses for Seymour Straight’s booming Hudson cheese business and built many homes in the area.
The Campanellis, at 98 Aurora Street, live in the Sylvester and Julia Baldwin House, constructed in 1860. The Baldwins settled in Hudson in the 1840s. Sylvester was a cobbler and longtime Deacon at the First Congregational Church. He was known to mid-19th Century Hudsonites as the “Deacon Shoemaker.”
The neighbors will also share how they did their research, the resources they used and how other Hudson homeowners can research their own houses.
“Homeowners don’t have to be historians to do this work,” said Walker. “We are eager to help at every step and can even assist with the work. There’s something special about discovering the history that’s under your own roof.”