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Photo Credit: Howard Gibson
Program Description: The library and the Greenport Historical Society present: “Beyond the Farmyard: The Development of Oakdale Park”. Local historian Paul Barrett, in collaboration with John Craig, discusses how the Glenwood Boulevard neighborhood in Hudson developed and the importance of the 14-acre Oakdale Park for residents today.
Date/Time: Thursday, March 19, 6-7:30pm
Suggested Audience: This event is free and open to the public. It takes place in the community room of the library, which is wheelchair accessible.
In 1907, plans were already underway for a community of new homes in Hudson offering paved streets, sidewalks and convenient access to the Hudson business district. What’s more, the design of this new development included a 5-acre man made lake surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 5-acre public park known as Oakdale. The brainchild of local farmer, banker and businessman Arthur Farrand, “Oakdale Park” was created for the benefit and enjoyment of all Hudson citizens.
Oakdale Park is used today by the City of Hudson Youth Department as a summer day camp site, a fishing, canoeing and swimming area for many locals, a natural respite from the city, and a pedestrian path for those coming from the Fairview Avenue shopping area. As more and more understanding and support for the value of the area’s Oakdale Lake grows, through organizations such as the Friends of Oakdale Lake, interest in its creation and history have also increased.
Mr. Barrett, a researcher and local historian, is a sales agent for TKG Real Estate. This is his third talk for the library’s local history series. Assisting Mr. Barrett is Hudson Area Library History Room head researcher John Craig. John is also the long-time publisher of Rundy’s Journal.
A question and answer period and refreshments will follow the talk. For more information email programs@hudsonarealibrary.org, call 518-828-1792 x101, or visit the main desk in the library.
The Greenport Historical Society provides excellent programs of both an educational and entertaining nature. These are available to the membership and general public at no charge. Membership is open to everyone and residency in the town is not a consideration. www.greenporthistoricalny.org .