March Newsletter

March 4, 2023

HHA Monthly Program

Join us in welcoming Denny Reiser on March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Barlow Community Center. Since 2003, Mr. Reiser has accumulated extensive knowledge about Ohio’s Historical Marker Program (administered by Ohio History Connection) and will provide insight into markers located in Hudson with ideas for more! The program is free and open to the public. More information can be found below.

During the month of February Hudson Heritage Association has been actively working on projects and programs that impact our town and keep history alive. We welcome spring with open arms and look forward to Hudson bursting into bloom.

HCTV Program to Interview Ginger Rogers and Katie Hoy

Strong advocates for historic preservation in Hudson during the 1970s and 1980s, the work of Katie Hoy and Ginger Rogers is truly inspirational. Hallmarks of their work are preventing the widening of SR 91 in Hudson’s historic district, relocating several historic homes to save them from demolition, advocating to keep the original mechanical clockworks that continue to run Hudson's clocktower, and vigilantly and relentlessly acting to protect the historical aesthetic of Hudson. A special documentary is being filmed to commemorate their lives, their commitment, and their contributions to Hudson. Katie Coulton, former HHA president, is conducting the interview and the video production is being directed by Barb Breedon VanBlarcum, HHA board member, in collaboration with the Hudson Community TV (HCTV) series "Looking Back: Hudson's Oral History." The program will air later this year.

Ginger Rogers, Katie Hoy, and Katie Coulton while filming earlier this month.

The Value of a Tree

According to the City of Hudson’s website, our urban forest includes more than 14,000 trees in the public right-of-way with thousands more in public parks, green spaces, and on private lots. The city regularly maintains municipal trees, provides information and education to Hudson citizens on proper tree care, and makes recommendations on species to encourage and those to avoid. Part of the Tree City USA program, Hudson has also received the Growth Award for 15 years from the Arbor Day Foundation. Hudson’s ordinances governing tree removal currently focus primarily on industrial and commercial property and rights-of-way. 

The Arbor Day Foundation states that tree ordinances are generally designed to reflect the values of a community. Ordinances can encourage beautification, air cooling, absorption of carbon monoxide, noise abatement and property value enhancement, or they can enable citizens to prevent and control the spread of diseases, preserve trees in the path of development, and avoid unnecessary costs associated with sewer clogging, sidewalk replacement, and tree-related accidents. An ordinance may also give force and direction to professional tree care within the municipality’s workforce and help control unscrupulous or careless operators.  

Tree ordinances are not new, but regulating the fate of trees on private land is controversial according to the Arbor Day Foundation. “To some, it is an onerous intrusion of government on the rights of individuals. To others, it is a duty of government, justifiable on the grounds of safeguarding the general health and welfare of society.” Those municipalities that have adopted regulations for trees on private property focus on restricting removal of trees over a certain size, replacing those that die, identifying and protecting “heritage trees” and requiring that a certain percentage of tree cover be maintained on private land slated for development. Requiring permits for tree removal is one way to achieve these goals. Any changes to Hudson’s current policy would be done through recommendations by the Tree Commission to City Council.

Urban forestry reference links are provided by the City of Hudson. Click here for details. The Arbor Day Bulletin addressing tree ordinances can be accessed by clicking here.

The Legacy of James Ellsworth

When James Ellsworth returned to his hometown in the early 1900s, he sought to make Hudson a model town. Hudson, still reeling from the great fire of 1892 and its citizens bordering on financial ruin, needed a savior. Influenced by the World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893 in Chicago, the post-Civil War industrialist Ellsworth came prepared to put his money behind his vision for a modern utopia. In 1908 he proposed burying power lines and relocating them behind buildings, promised to rebuild Hudson’s water and sanitary sewer systems, and improve the power grid at his own expense. In return, Hudson would need to maintain the infrastructure, remove overhead power lines, and properly care for and plant new trees every 50 feet. As a precondition, it was further stipulated that sales of all intoxicating beverages, except plain beer, would be curtailed, the Village corporate limits would be extended, and no street cars would be permitted unless in a special right-of way. If accepted by the voters, the proposal would be binding for a period of 50 years. Presented to the community and voted upon in 1907, the proposal passed and forever changed Hudson. Eventually, City Council planted over 350 Elm trees to satisfy the conditions of his gift. The deal made the headlines of the New York Herald “Modern Improvements to Transform Old College Town Because It Has Abolished Saloon—Benefactor to Give it Sewers, Lights, Waterworks” and “Town Banishes Rum for $250,000 Gift.” 

Red tile roofs on Main Street from the Ellsworth era are still present today.

In 1912 Ellsworth made additional suggestions for improvement to enhance the beauty of Hudson. He wished to paint the houses white with dark shutters and he provided red tile for roofs to all citizens who wanted them. At the time, over 50 residents took him up on his offer. These red tile roofs can still be seen today throughout Hudson and have withstood the test of time. The legacy that Ellsworth left the Hudson community lives on. As you drive through Hudson, please remember the generosity and vision of a man who was one of Hudson’s first preservationists.  

Historic Windows

As spring approaches, many homeowners are assessing their home’s maintenance needs. When it comes to historic windows, there are many resources that can help you make the correct choices and guide you in restoration. As a key component of the exterior fenestration of a building or home, windows are an important character-defining feature that contributes to the structure’s authenticity, often display distinctive forms of craftsmanship, and are made of materials whose durability are difficult to replicate. 

According to the National Park Service, repair of historic windows should always be the first option to consider. Repair can include renewal of finishes, material repair using epoxies, replacement of component parts and additions such as weather stripping. Where deterioration has progressed to an extreme state and full replacement is the only option, general guidance is provided to ensure that historically correct profiles and finishes are used. Adherence to these guidelines is elevated when the windows are located on a street-facing façade and has a role in defining the historic character of a building. For additional information please click here.

Local preservation companies also provide service and advice. For a directory of companies, visit https://windowpreservationalliance.org/AboutWPA.

Figure courtesy of the National Park Service.

Hudson Comprehensive Plan

The Hudson Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee met on February 16th. Both City Council and the Steering Committee agreed that conducting a statistically valid survey is important to evaluate the wants, needs, and desires of the community. During its meeting on March 1, the Committee worked on focus areas and questions for the survey. The consultant, OHM, provided sample surveys for the committee to review. A communication plan will be developed to ensure the public is aware of the survey prior to its release. The Committee also established two subcommittees — Communication and Outreach (comprised of Josh Manley, Jessie Obert and Bill Sedlacek) and Public Engagement (comprised of Bob Kahrl, Scott Ruffer, Barak Kraus, Doston Jones and Rebecca Leiter).

All Steering Committee agendas, minutes and videos can be retrieved by visiting the City’s website or clicking here. The public is welcome to attend meetings.

1927 Building / Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)

Perspectus Architecture, on behalf of Hudson Heritage Association, continues to work with the National Park Service on the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) documentation for Hudson's 1927 High School Building. Once completed, it will be accessible through the Library of Congress. 

Administered since 1933, the program’s collections are among the largest and most heavily used in the Prints and Photographs Division and are a valuable resource for researchers, architects, and historians. Photographs, drawings, and written history pages are part of the submission. Although this building has been demolished, HABS will ensure that this important part of the city’s past will remain a part of its recorded history.

Be well and stay healthy.

Kathy Russell & Diccon Ong

Co-Presidents

Hudson Heritage Association

March Program

Stories about Ohio's State Markers Program

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Stow resident Denny Reiser will share 20 years of research and stories related to the Ohio Historical Markers Program when he speaks at Hudson Heritage Association’s monthly meeting on March 9. The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Barlow Community Center. The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by refreshments.

A self-avowed lifelong learner, Reiser began researching the marker program in 2003 and has accumulated extensive knowledge about the places where markers are located throughout the state, how to use the program’s website to find specific markers (www.remarkableohio.org) and how to qualify for a new marker. He will provide background on the three markers located in Hudson and promises to suggest ideas for an additional marker related to the city’s past.

Retired in 1998 after teaching in both the Bay Village and Aurora School Districts, Reiser now pursues a variety of interests including becoming a Master Gardener and completing Ohio State University’s Volunteer Pollinator Specialist training. He is a volunteer with Summit Metro Parks, the Cascade Lock Park Association, Stan Hywet and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. He is an accomplished photographer and has contributed more than 1,000 photos to the Ohio Historic Marker Program. He holds a bachelor's degree from Adrian College and two master’s degrees from Kent State University – one in math education and one in environmental sciences.

Administered by the Ohio History Connection, the Ohio Historical Markers program was established to identify, commemorate, and honor important people, places, things, or events that have contributed to the state’s rich history. Since 1957, the program has placed more than 1,700 markers throughout Ohio. Approximately 20-30 new markers are accepted into the program each year. There currently are 50 markers in Summit County, including the three in Hudson.

One of three Ohio Historical Markers located in Hudson, this marker describes the history of the First Congregational Church in Hudson and its notable connection to abolitionist John Brown.

2023 Program Dates

Plan to join us for our popular monthly programs. Unless otherwise noted, these meetings are open to the general public and are held in the Assembly Room of Barlow Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments are provided. Mark your calendars for the following dates:

April 13

The Slavery Controversy of 1831-33 at Western Reserve College

(WRA Students)

May 11

HHA Annual Meeting

(WRA Chapel)

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