USA > New York > Columbia County > Hudson > History of the city of Hudson, New York : with biographical sketches of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton > Part 17
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pictures. Needless to say that Mr. Parton is well estab- lished in London. He is a member of every Art Society and has received several medals abroad.
Mention of Miss Sara Freeborn, artist and sculptor, should not be omitted from these pages.
Miss Freeborn's family came to Hudson when she was a little girl, and lived for a number of years in the dwelling that is now the Chapter House.
Here Miss Sara's talent was exhibited at the early age of nine years, by a profile bas-relief of herself, modeled for her mother's birthday. The likeness, caught from a mirror, was excellent. Miss Freeborn was also a painter of portraits for a time, but she preferred the chisel to the brush, which in middle life led to her removal to Florence, Italy, in order to be convenient to the quarries of Carrara marble. In her pleasant home she ever welcomed with gladness her American friends, and especially those from Hudson.
Miss Freeborn passed away quite suddenly during a visit to this country not long since, and was laid to rest among her kindred in our lovely cemetery.
The altar in Christ Church in this city, which was exe- cuted by Miss Freeborn, commemorates her beautiful and wondrously spirituelle sister, the wife of Doctor John P. Wheeler, who placed the memorial in the church she loved so well.
We bring these imperfect sketches to a close with the name of one whom the younger artists revere and whose place in the realm of art has never been quite filled.
Sanford Robinson Gifford was born in Greenfield, New York, in 1822.
His father soon after removed to Hudson, where he became engaged in the iron business, and all Mr. Gifford's impressionable boyhood's years were passed amid the beautiful scenery of this city.
It is not surprising that his artistic nature expanded, and asserted itself, with such influences as these thus early
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exerted upon him. So dear did these views become to him that on many occasions when arriving on a visit to his relatives, Mr. Gifford went first to the heights be- yond to drink in the inspiration they afforded.
In 1842, Mr. Gifford entered Brown University, where he remained two years, and then proceeded to New York, to avail himself of the few advantages there offered for the study of art.
For one year he devoted himself to the study of draw- ing, perspective and anatomy, with a view to portrait painting, but in 1845, he determined to become a land- scape painter, which was the true bent of his talent.
After exhibiting in the Academy for five years, Mr. Gifford was in 1851, elected an Associate, and in 1854, an Academician.
Then followed successive seasons spent in sketching, in every part of the old world, with intervals only in his native land. In September, 1857, Mr. Gifford returned to New York, and occupied the studio No. 19 in the Studio Building, No. 51 West Tenth street, which he retained until his death.
Mr. Gifford joined the famous Seventh Regiment of New York City at the outbreak of the Civil War, and accompanied it to Washington in 1861. He was also out with the regiment in 1862 and in '63. In 1868, he again went abroad remaining two years, after which he occupied himself sketching in this country for four years, leaving scarcely any accessible portions unvisited.
In July, 1880, not feeling well he went again under medical advice, to the region of Lake Superior, but be- came so ill that he was compelled to hasten home. After lingering a few weeks, Mr. Gifford passed away in the City of New York, on the 29th of August, 1880, in the fifty-eighth year of his age.
"Mr. Gifford possessed an imperishable spark of genius,
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which he fanned assiduously throughout his whole life and has left an ever-burning impress of his character on his works." Certain it is that Mr. Gifford's pictures remain upon the walls of memory, as though painted on the inner- most recesses of the mind.
Beside these whom Hudson can claim by right of birth or residence, artists like the distinguished Frederick E. Church, who was the intimate friend of Sanford R. Gifford, and the great painter of marines, M. F. H. de Haas, have given our views the stamp of the highest artistic appre- ciation. The latter during his frequent visits pronouncing the combination of mountain and river to be unsurpassed in beauty, and the former by placing his home within the radius of six miles, which in his mature judgment contained the finest scenery in the world.
Our glimpses of authors on their flying visits to Hudson, like those of the other personages of distinction we have mentioned, have closely resembled those of the fabled angelic visitants, in being "few and far between."
Miss Alice B. Neal published in 1850 a book entitled "The Gossips of Rivertown," meaning Hudson, thereby giving offense to many of the good people of this city. Though how any one could be offended at such emascu- lated caricatures of human nature is past finding out.
Miss Neal mentions "the excitement occasioned by Charles Dickens passing through Main street," and says, "every traveler who arrived at the 'Rivertown House' (Hudson House) for months afterward, that was so un- fortunate as to wear a linen blouse, and have an uncom- mon quantity of long light hair was surely 'Dickens him- self again.' "
That was Mr. Charles Dickens' first visit to this country, which was followed by "American Notes" after his return to England.
That book by "Boz" doubtless delighted the Britisher,
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but was less pleasing to the people of this country who had so hospitably entertained the author. However un- palatable it may have been, much of it was true, and it probably did us good
"To see oursel's as others see us!"
Mr. Henry James visited Hudson in September, 1905, and curiously enough he was also gathering material for his "American Notes," published serially in "The Atlantic Monthly" and "North American Review," and later col- lected in book form.
Mr. James arrived with two ladies and a French poodle in an automobile, which required some repairs. The party went to "The Worth" for dinner, requesting to bring the poodle to the dining room with them.
On being informed that dogs were not allowed in that room, but would be well cared for elsewhere, they departed and as Mr. James relates, "found dinner at a cook shop, after encountering coldness at the door of the main hotel by reason of our French poodle." "This personage had made our group admirably composed as it was, only more illustrious; but minds indifferent to an opportunity of in- tercourse, but the intercourse of mere vision with fine French poodles, may be taken as suffering, where they have sinned." "The hospitality of the cook shop was meanwhile touchingly, winningly unconditional, yet full of character, of local, of natural truth, as we liked to think, documentary in a high degree-we talked it over-for American Life."
How very Jamesian that is! But there was better stuff than that in the "Notes," or the book would not have been worth the binding.
The incident was the occasion of much mirthful com- ment in Hudson, but it only exhibits the smallness of the really great Analyst, in his analytical extremes.
Among others of the craft of authors who have been entertained in this city (but not at a "cook shop"), we
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recall the charming George William Curtiss-the delight- ful raconteurs, Bayard Taylor and George Kennan, and also W. Elliot Griffis, our American historian who out- Hollands the Hollanders, in admiration of the Dutch.
Hudson is frequently, though erroneously mentioned as being the birthplace of Francis Brett Harte, and a recent post card purports to exhibit the house in which he was born. The facts in the case are these:
Mr. Hart's father was for a time the Principal of the Hudson Academy, and lived on the corner of North Seventh and State street. Here a daughter was born and named Margaret, soon after which the family removed to Albany, where Mr. Harte was employed as a teacher of the classics in the Albany Female Academy, and where Francis Brett Harte was born.
Mr. Harte has near relatives living in this city, whom he used occasionally to visit in his early years, but he never resided here.
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CHAPTER XXVII.
Clubs-Notable Residents.
The Hudson Social Reading Club composed of fifty members was organized on January 22, 1879, "for the pro- motion of social intercourse based upon intellectual cul- ture." It being then late in the season, further action was deferred until the following autumn, and the first meeting was held on the evening of November 10, 1879.
The Rev. William D. Perry was elected President of the club-a position which he filled with much ability. The literary menu was prepared by an executive com- mittee who after due consultation, announced the fort- nightly "feast of reason and flow of soul."
Mention of these executive sessions brings to our re- membrance, with a sigh of regret, the thoughtful face of Miss Mary Gifford, at whose suggestion the club was formed, and who evinced a great interest in its welfare, while she continued to reside in Hudson.
The genial mien of a certain reverend gentleman (not then a D. D.) who still dispenses undiluted spiritual pabulum to his receptive congregation in this city, recurs to mind, and also the form of our gifted secretary, to whom Hudson owes a debt of gratitude for the preserva- tion of her early history.
The writer offers no apology for a digression, in order to pay a tribute to the memory of Mr. Stephen B. Miller, author of "Historical Sketches of Hudson."
Mr. Miller was a descendant of one of the oldest fami- lies of Claverack, a branch of which removed to this city, where he was born, on October 7, 1823. He was a man of high character, upright, generous, unselfish, and the soul of honor.
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His affection for Hudson was as discriminating as it was deep and abiding, and it is almost pathetic to note in his "Sketches," how sensitive it made him to any un- just criticism applied to her.
Almost his closing words in that work are an appeal to her citizens to speak well of their own city, which ought not to have been necessary, one would think, but which unfortunately is still too much required. His clear eye saw how injurious had been the strange habit of depre- ciation so often indulged.
Mr. Miller passed away on June 11, 1905, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.
Returning to the "Reading Club" to which Mr. Miller and others contributed most interesting papers, we have delightful memories of the charming entertainments fur- nished to its members, and occasional guests.
Variety was secured by setting apart one evening in each season, to be devoted to music, and another to the drama. These were exceptionally enjoyable.
On November 5, 1888, the "Hudson Social Reading Club" was reorganized, and renamed "The Fortnightly," which club has been successfully conducted on similar lines for the past twenty years. Its twentieth anniver- sary will be appropriately celebrated during the coming season. A few changes were made, the most important of which was the omission of gentlemen, and the decision to hold the meetings in the afternoon instead of evening.
There can be no question that the "Social Reading Club" and its successor "The Fortnightly," have pro- moted social intercourse, and have widened the horizon of their members. It is very desirable that such an organization should be maintained.
The social life of Hudson has always been of an ex- ceedingly pleasant character, but in recent years enter- tainments have become so elaborate, and the expenditure so lavish that they are less frequent than formerly.
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Possibly a return to something of the simplicity of our mothers might be of advantage.
A uniformly successful hostess of several generations ago, on being congratulated upon her delightful "parties" (they were so called then), she replied, "Oh! I have really nothing to do but get agreeable people together and they do the rest." So easy-like pushing a button, and presto ! a charming party emerged!
It is a far cry from those simple but enjoyable affairs, which always included plenty of music and dancing, to the functions of the present day. As an instance, one has only to recall a single season of a few years since, when "The Ben Greet Company of Players" in "As You Like It," "The Kneisel Quartet," a mammoth theatre party, and several vaudeville troupes, were provided for the delectation of Hudson society. It is hardly neces- sary to say that, with the exception of one or two notable "Readings," there has been nothing of importance since.
The lovers of cards (and their name is Legion) are enabled to "bridge" these intervals successfully-clubs for the purpose being both numerous and prosperous.
A smaller club named "Deltoton" has been a source of profit and pleasure to some of the younger ladies of Hudson for a number of seasons.
Its object is "mutual improvement along literary lines," to which has been added some useful outside work in the form of "Mothers' Meetings," which were intended for the betterment of the homes, and the infusion of a more hopeful spirit among the weary workers, in the lower section of the city.
Under the auspices of "Deltoton" and "The Fort- nightly" such men as John Fiske, Jacob Riis, Doctor Luther Gulick, John Graham Brooks and others have been heard and enjoyed by Hudsonians.
The Country Club, as its name implies, is an associa-
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tion of ladies and gentlemen who are devoted to golf and outdoor games.
They have a convenient little club house at the links just outside the city, where athletics and afternoon tea combine to while away the hours.
The Hudson Club which is composed only of gentle- men, was formed in 1873, for "mutual enjoyment of ra- tional pleasure." The Club occupy the residence of the late Doctor Abijah P. Cook, on Warren street, which affords ample room and is conveniently located.
Hudson has never been considered a musical city "par excellence," but it possesses much musical talent, which is exhibited not alone in a perfected technique, but also in a finely cultivated taste. This appreciation of the best artists renders Hudson a most attractive field for concert troupes, as Miss Thursby and others have borne abundant testimony. In former years the noted musicians like the celebrated lecturers, were within our financial reach, but the enormous salaries demanded now rerder it impos- sible to meet their requirements in a city, where only a limited number would be willing to pay city prices, for the privilege of listening to them.
It seems almost incredible that Thomas's Orchestra was brought to Hudson some years ago by subscription, and the citizens felt well repaid by just one gala performance.
Of the number of notables who have visited or re- sided in Hudson, only a few can be mentioned.
In the year 1854, William L. Ashmead Bartlett, with his mother and elder brother Ellis, came to this city, oc- cupying at first the house of Prof. Blanchard, No. 117 Warren street, and afterward No. 118, on the opposite side. Hudson had been especially commended to Mrs. Bartlett as an ideal home for herself and children, by
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Mr. Cyrus Curtis of New York, who had been himself a resident here for some years, at an earlier period.
Many persons will remember Mrs. Bartlett and the two little boys, all attired in deepest mourning, for the hus- band and father, then recently deceased. Mr. Morrill, assistant rector of the Episcopal church, was employed as tutor, until at the proper time the education of the Bart- lett brothers was continued at the Episcopal College at Annandale. Quite suddenly the family were called to England by the serious illness of one of Mrs. Bartlett's sisters, Mrs. Brooker, and they never returned. Mrs. Bartlett passed away about seven years ago. Her letters 'breathe the deepest affection for "dear old Hudson," and the friends whom she always hoped to see again.
The education of the Bartlett boys at Eton and Oxford was assumed by Mr. Brooker, their uncle, and the mar- riage of the younger to the Baroness Burdett-Coutts is familiar to all. Notwithstanding the disparity in age- nearly forty years-the union was a happy one. Lady Burdett-Coutts was a vigorous horsewoman and pedestrian at the age of sixty-six, and for many years afterward, and possessed in a marked degree that elusive quality called "charm."
She was annoyed by the persistence of suitors-de- clining the offers of such. men as Napoleon III and Disraeli, she found in the young Philadelphian the friend- ship, that grew into an affection which never failed her.
Mr. Burdett-Coutts devoted himself to the adminis- tration of his wife's charities most unselfishly, and proved an invaluable aid to her in every possible way.
Lady Burdett-Coutts and her husband greatly desired to visit their American relatives, whom she always wel- comed so cordially and entertained so delightfully, but her innate dread of the ocean prevented. On more than one occasion their steamer accommodations were engaged,
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but at the crucial moment of sailing the courage of the Baroness failed.
Another notable recalled was the guest of our Presi- dent one evening, at the Social Reading Club.
A pleasant, unassuming gentleman, who was introduced as Mr. Ion Perdicaris, quite unwillingly furnished sev- eral paragraphs to the press not very long ago
While sitting quietly in his home in the suburbs of Algiers, he was taken captive by that boldest of bandit- chiefs, Rais Uli.
Mr. Perdicaris rather objected to giving aid and com- fort to the enemy to the extent of $75,000, but after an imprisonment of a few weeks, his health was becoming impaired, so he yielded and was set at liberty.
Mr. Cyrus Curtiss, to whom allusion has been made, was a most highly esteemed citizen of Hudson for many years. He was Mayor of the city during the Anti-rent war, also one of the three Superintendents of Public Schools first appointed by the Council. Later he removed with his family to New York, but always retained the friendships formed while a resident here.
The pure bracing air, fine drives, and charming scenery of Hudson have always possessed a peculiar attraction for the weary retired business man, seeking a quiet, restful place "far from the madding crowd," in which to set up his Lares and Penates.
The first instance recorded was that of Mr. Richard I. Wells, who came here with his family from New York, on a sloop in 1808, with all his household goods. The spacious mansion No. 10 Partition street, had just been completed by Mr. Alexander Mitchell, who built several fine houses in this city. It was much admired by Mrs. Wells, who chanced to be paying one of her frequent visits to her father, Mr. Josiah Olcott, who has been
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mentioned in a former portion of this work, as the partner of Thomas Jenkins in the rope-walk and also in other business enterprises. His residence was the well known "Olcott House" on the corner of State and Third streets. In this large, comfortable dwelling, Mr. Olcott lived and died. His sons and later descendants are prominently known in law and finance, while his daughters, Mrs. Richard I. Wells, Mrs. William Folger and the Misses Olcott, all now deceased, are most pleasantly remembered by all who knew them.
Mr. Wells purchased the house referred to on Parti- tion street, and it became one of the most hospitable and delightful homes in this city.
Somewhat later, the property of Samuel Plumb, now known as the McIntyre place, became the residence of Doctor Oliver Bronson, also of the leisure class. He was active and useful in civic affairs-was one of the Superintendents of Public Schools, and with Cvrus Cur- tiss and Josiah W. Fairfield, served faithfully in the work of fostering and improving them.
Doctor Bronson removed from Hudson and Mr. Fred- erick Fitch Folger next occupied the estate, beautifying it, and spending many happy years there.
Mr. Folger had retired from active business in New Orleans, and became an invaluable acquisition to this city. Public-spirited, able, and willing, he served on vari- ous commissions, and devoted much of his well-earned leisure to the best interests of our citizens.
Mr. Joel T. Simpson who, during a long period, dis- pensed both a cordial hospitality and beneficent charity, from his lovely home, had also retired from business in the South.
To these might be added the names of many others who have found amid our beautiful surroundings the health and comfort they desired, and who have contributed
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immeasurably to the civic betterment and social life of Hudson.
But in this utilitarian age there is no longer room for such a city of refuge; where the worn toiler may find rest, and where churches, schools and market are easily accessible, together with the joys of friendly intercourse. People who are flying from the noise and smoke of the metropolis are compelled to go farther afield, and are happily finding, on landed estates throughout the country, all needed requirements.
It is quite possible that a new era is about to dawn upon the city of Hudson.
Its admirable facilities for transportation by rail or river, and its abundant water supply furnish the advan- tages for manufacturing that are so eagerly desired for our young men; although unfortunately it has been the universal experience of places of this size, that the younger element would still seek the greater possibilities of the larger cities.
However, the experiment could be tried, and if it should make for the fuller development of the city on the best lines, everyone will most heartily rejoice.
But the bells that ring in the new, ring out the old! May they also,
"Ring out false pride in place and blood, The civic slander and the spite; Ring in the love of truth and right, Ring in the common love of good.
Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be."
THE END.
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