The Human Story Behind the Lost House

Yesterday, Gossips reported about the demolition of a house on Columbia Street. 

Today, Claudia Bruce of Time & Space Limited, located across the street from the house that was demolished, shared this information about the woman who lived in the house--a story that makes the neglect and demolition of the house poignant and indeed heartbreaking for those who knew and loved her.

The house at 425 Columbia was owned by Hazel Murray, a beloved mainstay of our community, who passed away in 2016. Her house was purchased by a neighbor but remained empty and deteriorated over years. Now it's gone, but the memories of Hazel's wonderful spirit live on.

Every Thursday, she would cook your choice of fried chicken or fried fish or BBQ ribs--served with collards and mac & cheese--and dessert. The price was around $10, and her place was hopping on Thursdays when many Hudsonians passed by to pick up their orders. 

Bruce sent this picture of Hazel Murray taken in 2014 by Linda Mussmann, along with an excerpt from her obituary.

Photo: Linda Mussmann

Hazel Martha Murray was born October 8, 1926, to Carrie Fulton and Thomas Wright in Pineville, SC. She received her formal education in Pineville at J. K. Gadine School. She relocated to Hudson, NY, in 1952. She trained as a barber and was employed at the NYS Training School for Girls and the Whitney Young Center in Albany. Hazel was an active member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served in the choir, Women's Ministry, and the Culinary committee.