Recently we decided to take our Local History Speaker series “on the road” so to speak with a special fundraiser to support the conservation and archiving of the resources of the History Room: a Hudson History Bus Tour, offering the REAL history of Hudson. On June 9, Hudson Area Library’s inaugural local history tour set off with every seat occupied!
Guided by the enlightening commentary of one of our researchers and local history enthusiast-par-excellence, John Craig, with anecdotal additions by two born and raised Hudsonians: former Hudson mayor and tour bus driver, Richard F. Tracy; and library board member and a son and grandson of former mayors, Gary Sheffer, the tour lived up to its tagline of offering the REAL history.
The tour was accompanied by honored guest, Carole Osterink, author of the “Gossips of Rivertown” blog, and included a tour of Hudson Hall. Generous sponsoring businesses included the Johnston Bus Company, The Hudson Brewing Company, Hudson Hall, Hudson Home, Hudson Wine Merchants, Local 111 of Philmont, Solaris: The Artisan Shop at Camphill Hudson, Spotty Dog Books & Ale, Talbott & Arding, and TK Home & Garden.
Participants enjoyed the day, the swag bags they received, and many stayed at the The Hudson Brewing Company engaged in follow up conversations about Hudson’s amazing history at the end of the tour. A new tour is being planned for October so stay tuned!