Saturday, April 2, 2022

Shall We Celebrate a Sesquicentennial?

I have always accepted Anna Bradbury's account that the fence along the precipice at Promenade Hill was erected in 1878, the same year that improvements to the Public Square were carried out. The following is quoted from Bradbury's 1908 book, History of the City of Hudson, New York:
In the same year, 1878, the authorities took measures to improve the Promenade Hill, by the erection of an ornamental iron fence along the full length of its dan- gerous frontage, and by increased attention to its walks and lawn.
Today, however, while perusing Common Council minutes from 1872, trying to learn more about the lease on the Corporation Dock referenced in yesterday's post, I came upon this bit of information in the minutes for April 25, 1872:

If the Common Council was voting to pay for the erection of the fence in 1872 isn't it likely that the fence was being erected in 1872?

If this is the case, in a month or so, when the renovations to the entrance to Promenade Hill are complete and the park is reopened, we can celebrate not only the new and enhanced access to the historic promenade but also the 150th anniversary of the fence.
COPYRIGHT 2022 CAROLE OSTERINK

1 comment:

  1. The fence which for years has needed some attention in the form of sanding and painting to complement the improved entrance. This would be a welcome sight and a worthwhile effort and expense. But who will make it happen? Like the 7th street park, is the city (dpw, mayor, council) just hoping a non-profit comes along and takes care of things? For how much longer?

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