HUDSON – Hudson resident and local historian Dick Gelpke has traced the history of the former Hudson Poor Farm, lower Main St., in his latest book, “From Poor Farm to ‘Pour House.’” Gelpke has previously authored books on the History of Lake Boon and Hudson Downtown Walking Tours.
Located in Marlborough before Hudson became a town, the original Poor Farm building on lower Main St. was built in 1894 for individuals “with no visible means of support.” Closing early in World War II, it was rebuilt and survived into the 1970s as an auction house and bar/lounge (Vangie’s Auction Barn and Poor Farm Lounge). Currently a self-storage facility sits on the site. The only remnant is a tiny cemetery and sign across lower Main St.
Hudson historian Dick Gelpke has delved into the history of the former Hudson Poor Farm, which originated in 1894 on lower Main St. for individuals “with no visible means of support.” The original old farm (1894-5), is at top right, and at left bottom is a re-built structure which survived into the 1970s as an auction house and bar/lounge. Gelpke will offer a presentation on the subject at the Oct. 29 meeting of the Hudson Historical Society. (Photo/Worcester Printers)
Gelpke will give a presentation of his book next month at the Oct. 29 meeting of the Hudson Historical Society at the First Federated Church hall at 7 p.m.
In honor of ‘Tuck’
The 1936 “Buffalo” fire truck that Thomas “Tuck” Walsh rescued and restored, was bedecked with flowers at his interment at St. Michael Cemetery on Aug. 21, courtesy of the Hudson Fire Department. “Tuck” Walsh, 94, a retired Hudson Fire Dept. call fireman and revered Hudson businessman, died Aug. 10, 2024 at his home. “Tuck” was founder and owner of “Tuck’s Trucks” and “Tuck’s Service Station,” for 46 years.
A 1936 “Buffalo” fire truck was flower-bedecked at the interment of Thomas “Tuck” Walsh at St. Michael Cemetery Aug. 21. “Tuck,” retired call fireman and longtime Hudson businessman, rescued and restored the truck many years ago.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
‘Blazing Star’ quilt raffle
Members of the Silver Threads Quilting Group at the Hudson Senior Center have created a stunning, handmade “Blazing Star” quilt and it has been donated to be raffled at the annual Senior Center Fall Fair Nov. 2. The handsome 98” x 98” quilt is suitable for a queen or king size bed and was pieced and quilted by Lawnie Robergeone of the Silver Threads group.
Deb DeLuca, far right, newly-elected president of the Friends of the Hudson Senior Center, proudly displays the “Blazing Star” quilt handmade by the Center’s Quilting Group. Raffle tickets are now on sale at the Center, and the quilt will be raffled at the November 2 Fall Fair.
The “Blazing Star” quilt is on display at the Senior Center and raffle tickets are on sale now through the Nov. 2 Fall Fair.
Donate your books
Donations of books will be accepted at the Hudson State Armory Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event is sponsored by the Friends of the Hudson Library
HHS ‘61 to meet
Hudson High School class of 1961, holding annual reunions, will gather at Welly’s, 153 Main St., Marlborough, Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. For more information contact Louise (Roseberry) Janda 508-612-4708.
St. Michael Block Party
St. Michael Parish will sponsor an Autumn Block Party on the parish grounds, High Street, Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1-4 p.m. Free picnic lunch will be enjoyed 1-2 p.m., followed by beer/wine garden, fair games, bake sale. Door prize (50/50) and beer garden tickets for sale will support the event.
Police Dog Day
Hudson Police Dept. dog handlers, and their charges, observed National Police Dog Day recently. K9 “Jocko,” narcotics detection dog, is handled by Sgt. Sam Leandres and K9 “Murph,” Community Resource Dog, is handled by Detective Chad Crogan.
Celebrate Hudson
“Celebrate Hudson 2024” will be held throughout downtown Hudson Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1-9 p.m. Features will include a carousel, petting zoo, vendors, beer/wine gardens, food trucks, live music, etc. Fun for all!
‘Wolfe Pack’ walks soon
“Wolfe Pack,” family of the late Kathy Wolfe, is preparing to walk in the October 2024 walk for the American Heart Association. Donations may be sent AHA (care of ) Fran Wolfe, 42 Pope St., Hudson MA 01749, with “Wolfe Pack” in the subject line.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sept. 7 – Jodi Hollick, Nicholas Cardoza, Tony Cabral, Brittany Prendergast and Elsa Panneton
Sept. 8 – Scott Lambert, Roxanne Curley, Mike McMahon, Hilary Yates and Rose Galofaro
Sept. 9 – Josh Crogan, Amanda Chaves and Patti Glynn
Sept. 10 – Madison Beane, Noah Ortgieson, Amanda Gould and Patrick Hannon
Sept. 11 – Brian Ronzio and David Woodford
Sept. 12 – Paul Matthew, Nancy Sullivan and Andrew Wilkinson
Sept. 13 – Kimberly McCulley, Carlie Ann Geldart and Tristan Brooks
Sept. 14 – Darnell Butler and John Volpe
Sept. 15 – Sally Guidotti, Sarah Hartford and Aimee Farquharson
Sept. 16 – Rick Rogers and Gregory Sniffin
Sept. 17 – Cathy Armstrong, Bailey O’Brien, Joey Lazarus, Reid Williams and Erika Eastman
Sept. 18 – Tom Ethier, Jim Grillo, Darryl Filippi and Lynne Zagura
Sept. 19 – Samantha Serio, Will McAuliffe and Nick Palange
Sept. 20 – Sue Bowen, George Calnan, Sue Gillespie, Carmen Tracy and brother, David
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Sept. 7 – Tony and Maria Cabral
Sept. 8 – Nelly and Joanne Ahearn
Sept. 9 – Bill and Nina Smith
Sept. 14 – Scott and Donna Lambert
Sept. 15 – Marty and Erin Libby
Sept. 16 – Mark and Debbie Ahearn, Chris and Kim Lambert, Peter and Colleen Feltus.
LOOKING BACK TO 1973
Bill Jacobs was varsity hockey goalie at Williams College. Hudson Lock, 81 Apsley St., offered job openings, paid holidays and paid vacations. Kathy Harrity, Diane Hellen and Tom Patterson enrolled in a one year course at Meredith Manor School of Horsemanship, West Va. D & M Shoe Co. advertised white shoes for “nurses, hairdressers, waitresses” for $7.95 per pair. Rev. Harold Aldrin was pastor of First Federated Church. Hollywood star Betty Hutton was starring in “Anything Goes” at Chateau de Ville, Framingham. Dave Hamilton was running back for Hudson Jr. Midgets football game. A 36-year partnership ended when Henry Kelley and Bill Tulloch retired from the painting business.
Send items for Hudson Happ’nings to 18 Cottage St., Hudson MA 01749 or email [email protected].
