The Hudson Area Library and the Greenport Historical Society present: “Beyond the Farmyard: The Development of Oakdale Park” by Paul Barrett on Thursday, March 19, 6-7:30pm.
Oakdale Park in Hudson is a 14-acre public park in Hudson with a spring-fed lake, sand beach, trails, and playground. It is used by the City of Hudson Youth Department as a summer day camp site, a fishing, canoeing and swimming area for many locals, a skate park and basketball area, a natural respite from the city, and a pedestrian path for those coming from the Fairview Avenue shopping area. As 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.
This talk examines that history. 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 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. Local historian Paul Barrett, in collaboration with John Craig, discusses how the Glenwood Boulevard neighborhood developed and the importance of Oakdale Park for residents today.
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 .
The Hudson Area Library History Room houses a special collection that pertains to the history of the City of Hudson, Greenport and Stockport; as well as Columbia County and New York State. The History Room also hosts the Local History Speaker Series at the library, offering free monthly talks on diverse topics related to the history of Hudson, Greenport, Stockport, and Columbia County.
The History Room hours are Tuesdays 2 - 6pm and Saturdays 10am - 12pm, during which people visit and browse the extensive collection of city directories, yearbooks and local history books; and research items in the archival collection. The public can also request information on local history that volunteers will research. Appointments are available upon request. For more information email reference@hudsonarealibrary.org, call 518.828.1792 x100, or visit the main desk in the library.
The Hudson Area Library is located at 51 North Fifth Street in Hudson, NY. The mission of the library is to enrich the quality of life by providing free and equal access to programs, services and resources, and by creating opportunities for all members of our community to connect, create, learn and grow.
PHOTO CAPTION: Oakdale Beach, Hudson, 1965
PHOTO CREDIT: Howard Gibson
