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57 Lowell Road C 1947

November 25, 2015 8:34 pm / Leave a comment

57 Lowell C1947 COMP

57 Lowell Road C 1947

By 1935 Nicolae and Cornelia Simo with their young family of Victoria and John moved from Nashua to this house at 57 Lowell Road in Hudson.  The trolly and later bus services made it possible for Nicolae to comute to his job as a shoe worker at J. F. McElwain Shoe Company in Nashua.  Cornelia  held a position at Fort Devens in Mass. Daughter Victoria attended Hudson schools and graduated from Nashua High.  She was active in 4-H, Scouts, and the youth activities of the Hudson Community Church.  After High School she attended the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence.  She later married and lived in Conn.  John was able to complete his high school in Hudson; being a member of the first class to graduate from Alvirne in 1951.  He was also active in 4-H and the youth activities of the Community Church.
This weeks photo  shows the Simo home about 1947; the woman seated on the front steps has been identified as Cornelia.
John was one of many Hudson teenagers who worked at Bensons Animal Farm during the summer months.  Upon graduation from Alvirne, John and a high school friend of his traveled to Seatle, Wash. for summer work at The Jolly Green Giant Factory.  His friend returned to Hudson to  attend college.  John remained on the west coast, traveling and working in various states for several years.  When he did return return to New Hampshire he married Glenda Pratt of Milford and made his home in his current town of Milford.
Cornelia passed in 1965; Nicolae continued to live in this house until about 1984 when he moved to Milford with his son John.  Nicolae passed in 1989.  John remembers his mother as an intelligent woman who was fluent in many languages.  His dad had musical abilities with the violin; being able to repeat a tune after hearing it a single time.
By 1984 Lowell Road was becoming a busy commercial road; no longer the rural and residential road of the previous decades.  As with many homes along Lowell Road this one at number 57 would transition into commercial use.  Many of our readers may recall Dunkin Dogs, a self service dog shampoo parlor and grooming establishment.  Today this site is the location of Stellar Motors, a used automobile mart.  Thanks to John Simo of Milford for the memories; photo from the Hudson Historical Society collection.

Central Street Looking West C 1935

This week we go back to about 1935 and look west on Central Street across from what is now 74 Central (near Hammond Park).  In fact, the first mailbox on the right side of Central Street is for that home; the home of Gerri and Leon Hammond for many years. In the forefront Central Street … Continue reading →

This gallery contains 2 photos.

November 19, 2015 9:49 pm / Leave a comment

George Steele Farm

November 13, 2015 1:58 pm / Leave a comment

George Steele Store Com 1899

George Steele Store C1899

This week’s memories extend to the George Steele farm at Stewerts Corner; the intersection of Lowell, Dracut, and River Roads.  In the early 1900’s Hudson was serviced by three trolley routes.  One of these routes went from the Taylor Falls Bridge, down Central Street, then down Lowell Road to Stewerts Corner.  The fare from Taylor Falls Bridge to Stewerts Corner was five cents!!  Thus, Stewerts Corner was also called ‘the five cent limit’ or ‘the limit’.  During warm months open-bench trolley cars were used.  Many children and adults would pack a picnic lunch and ride the trolley to the ‘limit’.  Once there they could buy ice cream and soda at George Steele’s farm store. The first photo shows his store C1899 with two ladies and children waiting outside; perhaps for the trolley.   If the season  was right they could also pick strawberries for Mr. Steele for two cents a box!  For additional fare, families could extend their trip down River Road to Lakeview Park, an entertainment area just over the state line, or go all the way to Lowell and spend time shopping.
George and his brother Fred were native to Hudson; growing up and working with their father, Silas, on the family farm on what is now the Steele Road.  As a young man of 24, George purchased his own acreage from William Chase in 1887.  By 1893 he  married Edith Colburn and built their home on River Road.  For most of their adult lives, George and Fred continued to operate large vegetable/market gardens near Stewerts Corner.  The George Steele farm remained in his family until surviving son, Ralph, sold the property to the Friel family in 1977.  The land and buildings are now a part of Green Meadows Country Club.
Steele Farm Comp 1942

George Steele Farm C 1942

The second photo is an aerial view of the George Steele Farm C1942.  We see  gardens along both sides of River Road.  Photos courtesy of the Steele Family and now a part of the Historical Society Collection.

The Jette Farm Lowell Road C1950

November 6, 2015 1:55 am / Leave a comment

117 Lowell Road Jette Farm 1950

117 Lowell Road Jette Farm 1950

Edmond L. Jette and Rose M. Boissoneault  married in August of 1933 and lived on the Litchfield Road in Hudson.  By 1944 their family had grown to include five children and they needed more space.  They then purchased a farm house as well as 30+ acres of farmland.  Edmond was a machinist as well as a great father and farmer.  Rose took great pride in her family and was always pleasant and friendly to everyone she met.
In 1944, the farm at what is now 117 Lowell Road was owned by the Pelletier family.  It would soon be known to all as The Jette’s  Garden  Farm.  Fresh vegetables were harvested and sold daily by a large and loving family.  Edmond, Rose, and ultimately, all ten children worked hard together.  Cows were milked for cream, milk, and butter.  These items for the family were also swapped for chickens and eggs from their neighbors, the Maynard family.
Jette Field

Jette Field

In 1971, 59 year old Edmond passed away.  Rose was left to care for her family and continue the farm stand as well as operating her weekend garage sale.  Rose, in memory of her husband and the children in memory of their father, donated some of the farmland off County Road to The Town of Hudson.  Today, close to a fenced in baseball diamond, there is a granite memorial identifying Jette Field; a great gesture and memory for all to enjoy.  The plow on the marker symbolizes Edmond’s love of the land.   In the spring of 2013, 102 year old Fernand, brother of Edmond, threw out the first pitch to begin the baseball season.
Over the years family members tapped from the trees seen in front of the house.  Sap was boiled down maple syrup was made by and for family members.
You can still drive by 117 Lowell Road and look upon the old homestead as it stands today.  The farmland was sold when Rose downsized.  Rose passed away in 1996.  Although you are driving by the old farm land for memories, much of it has evolved into Fox Hollow as well as Teledyne, the memories are never to be forgotten.  Thanks to Angela Rose (Jette) Dickman, grandaughter of Rose and Edmond, for the memories and photo of 117 Lowell Road.

Robinson Road Near Pond C 1930

October 29, 2015 8:43 pm / Leave a comment

Robinson Road Near Pond C 1930 comp
In this C 1930 photo we see a horse  drawn wagon  traveling west on Robinson Road just west of Robinson Pond near the present  intersection with Parker Drive.  On the wagon seat are Charles “Charlie” Parker, Whitney Westneat,  and Alice (Mrs. Arthur) Westneat.  In the wagon is the Rev. Arthur Westneat.  Their oldest son, Arthur is riding horseback.  Rev. Westneat, a former pastor of the Baptist Church of Hudson, and his family, were spending their  summer vacation time visiting with John Abner and Julia Robinson.  Photo complements of the Parker/Robinson Family and now a part of the Historical Society Collection.

HudsonMall C1977

October 23, 2015 1:01 am / Leave a comment

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Hudson Mall C1977

 For many years this Derry Road location was  the site of the Abbott home, milk business, and farms.  Abbott’s Dairy was operated by George Abbott for many years.  After his sudden death in 1929. his son’s Roland and Kenneth ran the milk room.  Local dairy farmers would deliver their milk for processing after which milk and cream were delivered by Abbott’s Dairy to homes and businesses in the Nashua and Hudson area.  After Roland’s death in 1964, “Kenny” carried on until the property was sold for the new Hudson Mall.
In 1973 Vickerry Realty, owner and developer, publicized their plans to build Hudson Shopping Mall on the east side of Derry Road, just north of St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Estimated to be a 3 million dollar complex of a climate controlled, enclosed sidewalk mall with a large Alexander’s Super Market on the north end.  Alexander’s opened for business in 1974; other smaller stores and First Federal Bank soon followed along the indoor mall.  This new supermarket created significant competition for other markets in town.   By May 1977 McDonald’s Restaurant was added as a stand alone business.
This photo shows Hudson Mall C 1977 at the time of the publication of “Town in Transition” by The Hudson Historical Society.  At that time, in addition to the large Alexanders supermarket, the mall included:  Books and Cards Unlimited, CVS and CVS Pharmacy, Flower World, Norms Hardware, and First Federal Savings and Loan.
Significant changes have occurred over the years.  In 1988 the Post Office was relocated to this mall from 15 Derry Street.  In 1990 Alexander’s supermarket moved up in size and out of its original location as a  large superstore was added onto the south end of the mall, and  Alexander’s, now Hannaford’s, moved into their new quarters.  At about this same time, the mall itself was modified to eliminate the interior sidewalk mall.  Each retail business had direct exterior access.  Photo from the Historical Society collection.

Goodwin’s Fried Clams on Derry Road C1938

October 16, 2015 2:31 am / Leave a comment

2015062002A
By 1931 Fred T. Goodwin and his wife Annimae had moved to Hudson; and by May of that year Fred , a well known amateur actor, opened a place of business on Derry Road.  This was located at what was then the Abbott property and directly across from Saint Patrick’ s Cemetery.  He specialized in Ipswich fried clams which he obtained fresh from the flats.  Fred. and Annimae had the idea that if they served a good meal at a reasonable price, people would come.  And they did!  After the first week there were reports that business was so great, many were turned away, and more equipment was quickly added.  By 1935 free entertainment to the clam emporium was added in order to attract even more people.
 Thanks to the Goodwin/Marshall family we have these early photos of the stand.  The first, C1938, shows the cars packed into  the lot and along Derry Road.  You see the band stand for entertainment on the left and the clam stand on the right.  The cars to the right, opposite the stand, are backed up against the stone wall of Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in order to enjoy the entertainment.  The second photo of about the same time shows a close-up of the front of the stand.  Notice the prices!!
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Fred  was also very active in local theater and politics; serving as selectman and in the state legislature.  His approach to the fried clam business gave him great notoriety as people came from all over to the stand.  Over the years the front of the stand did not change except for addition of an ell on the right side which served as a soda and ice cream fountain.  Also by the 1950’s traffic on Derry Road was such that parking was not allowed in front of the stand.
 
Fred, Annimae, and later their family operated the stand for over 20 years.  After Fred  passed in 1952 Annimae ran the stand with her family.  Annimae (Grammy) worked the kitchen, Francis (Bud) worked the grill and fryers, Elsie Marshall was the cashier.  Fred, Jr had his own business in Nashua and would come to the stand when he could.  He routinely balanced the cash and made nightly deposits.
 
By the late 1950’s into the early 60’s Fred III (Butch)  oversaw much of the operation of the stand.  The stand employed about 15 people; some of these were high schoolers working a summer job  to save for college expenses.  In 1961 the stand had a bank of 11 fryers (perhaps the  largest in New England), a long mixing bench where all fried foods were prepared, a chef table for preparing salads, lobster, chicken, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.
By the mid 1960’s business slowed and ownership passed from the Goodwin family and soon after closed.  By 1969 this property and adjacent acreage  was sold by the Abbott family to Phil Lamoy for the 20th Century Shopping Center.
 

20TH Century Shopping Center Derry Road C 1977

October 9, 2015 2:19 am / Leave a comment

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20th Century Shopping Center Derry Road 1977

During the decades of the 1940 and 50’s a business center developed in Hudson along Central and Ferry Streets as you approached the bridge into Nashua.  This center evolved, for the most part, in pre-existing wooden buildings many dating back to 1900 or earlier.    With the planning of the twin span bridges, new access routes were necessary on both sides of the Merrimack.  As a result a large number of buildings in the Hudson bridge area were demolished.
Phil Lamoy, owner of the 20th Century Stores, announced his plans to build a shopping center on the Derry Road.  Ground breaking on the 25 acre parcel, which included the site of the  former Goodwin’s Fried Clam Stand, took place July 1969.  As the buildings in the bridge area were scheduled for destruction, Lamoy moved his 20th Century Market into this center in 1970.  The shopping center expanded to include a drug store, beauty salon, barber ship, restaurant, department store, and parking for up to 700 cars.  Businesses  at the time of this photo included:  Bargain outlet, China Village, Clean and Handy Laundromat, Dion Cleaners, Haps Donut and Coffee Shop, Hudson Barber Shop, Hudson News and Card Shop, One-stop auto parts, Photo Island, and Continental Academie of Hair Design. This shopping center continued as the 20th Century Shopping Center, but by 1977 the 20th Century Store itself was no longer doing business in Hudson.
This shopping center has evolved over time.  Today it is knows as 102 Plaza.  Photo from the Hudson Historical Society collection.

The Ice Break

October 2, 2015 1:05 pm / Leave a comment

1977034003 comp

Ice Break 1834 to C1965

How many of our readers remember the ice break in the Merrimack River?  Not many years after the wooden bridge was built at Taylor Falls, an ice jam and high water pressed so hard against the Hudson pier that there were fears for the safety of the bridge. To avoid this danger in the future this ice break was erected in 1834.  Placed in the river on the Hudson side just north of the bridge this ice break  has protected three bridges against surging ice flows: the wooden bridge, the iron bridge, and the concrete bridge.    It was removed during the construction of the Veterans Memorial Bridge, the northern span of our current twin bridges.  Photo from the Historical Society Collection.

Library Park C 1920 and 1975

September 25, 2015 12:09 am / Leave a comment

Library Park, that beautifully maintained, triangular park bounded by Ferry, Derry, and Library streets was a gift to the Town of Hudson by Mary Field Creutzborg and the efforts of her son-in-law Dr. Alfred Hills.  There is a granite boulder with a tablet at the park near the intersection of Ferry and Derry Streets   The tablet reads:  LIBRARY PARK – The gift of Mary Field Creutzborg 1911.
Library Park C 1920

Library Park C 1920

Just prior to 1911, this parcel of land was owned by parties living in Nashua.  They had sub-divided it into eleven house lots and offered then for sale.  Two had been sold and a house was being erected on one of them.  The residents of Hudson were beginning to realize that a potential of eleven houses in that area would be  of no real value.  There had been earlier discussion about acquiring the land for a public park; but, no action had been taken.
A special town meeting was called May 15, 1911 to see if the town would authorize the Selectmen to acquire this land by eminent domain for the purpose of a public park.  Dr Hills offered a resolution:  that the Selectmen be authorized to acquire the property for a public park, to be known as Library Park, at no expense to the town.  The resolution passed unanimously.  The owner of the house under construction was compensated with a much larger lot in a more desirable site.
The selection of the name Library Park was deliberately  chosen by the Hills/Creutzborg family.  Mrs. Ida Virginia Hills had passed away and the nearby library had been presented to the town in her memory.
Our first photo of Library Park was taken C 1920 from the corner of what is  now Ferry and Library Street.  This photo is courtesy of Gerald Winslow and a part of the Historical Society Collection.  The second photo is Library Park from Ferry Street looking toward Library Street C 1976 and is also a part of our collection.
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Library Park 1975

Library Park is greatly appreciated by the citizens of Hudson.  We are grateful to the donors for their foresight and generosity.

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