Summer 2020 Coloring Challenge a Success!

If it seemed like the Summer of 2020 was more colorful than usual, you weren’t mistaken.

Thanks to Hudson Heritage Association, scores of Hudson residents spent part of their summer coloring some of the town’s most notable historic structures.

The 2020 Coloring Challenge allowed residents to go to HHA’s website (HudsonHeritage.org) and download printable, black and white drawings suitable for coloring, featuring seven of Hudson’s most well-known and historic buildings: Brewster Mansion, the barn at Case-Barlow Farm, the Clock Tower, the Baldwin-Buss-Merino House and Western Reserve Academy’s Chapel, President’s House and Loomis Observatory.

Hudson’s Brewster Mansion, colored by Elsa Kendrick for the HHA Coloring Challenge.

The pages were accessed more than 300 times as of Sept. 1, and more than 40 completed pages have been either submitted to Hudson Heritage Association via email or posted on social media.

The challenge was open to anyone, regardless of age, and everyone who completed it, child or adult, was be awarded a certificate of completion, a coupon for a free Hershey’s ice cream cone and an HHA keychain. One lucky artist, Elsa Kendrick – who submitted artwork with her 4-year-old daughter – was randomly selected as the winner of a $25 gift card to the Learned Owl Bookstore. (All prizes were donated to HHA.)

Artists ranged in age from 4 to over 70 years old.

Hudson’s Baldwin-Buss-Merino House, colored by Adeline Luker for the HHA Coloring Challenge.

The coloring pages will remain available for download indefinitely on www.HudsonHeritage.org under the “for families” tab.

The challenge was made possible, in part, with support from Ohio History Connection and its Ohio History Fund COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program. This temporary grant program helps history organizations address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit Ohiohistory.org/covidgrant for more information.

Hudson’s Case Barlow Farm Barn, colored by Katie Coulton for the HHA Coloring Challenge.

Here is what some of the participants said about the 2020 Color Challenge:

“We loved that there was a picture of Case Barlow farm, because we go to there frequently! Thank you!” – Chrissanna Krsich, mother of Levi and Ezra.

“The contest kept (my grandchildren) somewhat occupied since we started having them with us while Mom and Dad are back in their respective schools. Next plan is to take the kids on the HHA walking tours. … The Coloring Challenge was fun for the kids.” – Betsy MacLeod, grandmother of Adeline and Thad.

“Thanks for this fun opportunity to learn more about Hudson!” – Elsa Kendrick, mother of Harper and winner of the Learned Owl gift card.

“He really enjoyed doing this project. Thanks again for making it available to him.” – Chris Crist, mother of Caleb