Hudson on the Hudson

     



     The little hamlet of Hudson, NY lies on the eastern bank of the Hudson River.  It is 130 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, an unlikely location for an ocean going enterprise.  But that is where the Nantucket Navigators relocated their whaling company in the late 18th Century when the British shut down all the eastern seaports in a dispute with the newly formed United States.  By the early 1800's Hudson, once known as Claverack Landing, was one of the largest cities in the state thanks to the whaling industry and all the other businesses that whaling supported.  The Hudson Whaling Company was only one of four similar operations that found a safe harbor far from the British up river from New York.

     But it wasn't long before whale oil was replaced by other compounds and the industry floundered.  Hudson then turned to manufacturing with mills and foundries crowding the town and employing the citizenry.  But eventually that also fell on hard times and Hudson grew increasingly forlorn and tired looking.

   Once again Hudson is experiencing a renaissance.  Shop worn store fronts are being revitalized and entrepreneurs are moving in to vacant buildings with antiques and fancy fare.  And on Saturdays there is a wonderful farmers' market just off the town square.  Local farmers are selling everything from duck eggs to artisan cheese and breads.  Freshly picked apples and pears, kohlrabi and carrots are on display beside green leafy produce like chard, mustard greens and kale.  Baked goods abound, too!  I purchased a gingered pear pie that was amazing!

 

     Hudson today is still in transition.  It is a work in progress and clearly some buildings look better than others.  But there is a spirit of renewal at work.  Where else could you step into a historic firehouse that is currently a bar, bookstore and art supply center?