Add YOUR Family To This Page
History of Hudson, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Hudson, Massachusetts, USA
(Feltonville)
Explore Hudson, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Hudson Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Hudson, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA
From around 1850 until the last shoe factory burned down in 1968, Hudson was known as a "shoe town". At one point, the town had 17 shoe factories, many of them powered by the Assabet River, which runs through town. kids.kiddle.co
Hudson includes: Collidgeville, Cove Landing, Gleason Junction, Ordway Station, and Wilkinsville.
netronline.com/mass_lookup.htm
Explore even more about Hudson, Massachusetts, USA. Keep reading!
Hudson Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Hudson, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard

Apsley Rubber Company
"The Goodyear Gossamer Company was founded in 1885 in Hudson by U.S. congressman and businessman Lewis Dewart Apsley and J. H. Coffin of Boston. This company produced rubber (or "gossamer") clothing; within the span of five years, the Goodyear Gossamer Company had become the largest producer of gossamer garments in the nation.
In 1892, Mr. Apsley purchased Mr. Coffin's share of the Goodyear Gossamer Company and reincorporated it as the Apsley Rubber Company. This company produced both rubber clothing and footwear. The plant employed around 1200 to 2000 people during its existence, more than half of all of those employed in Hudson at the time.
The plant was sold to the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company when Mr. Apsley approached retirement; the plant was renamed the Firestone-Apsley Rubber Company and it produced tires. A new smokestack that had the word "Firestone" spelled out on it in white-painted bricks was built by the Firestone Company. The factory... Read MORE...
Discover Hudson: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1699 - Hudson / Feltonville is settled
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
1854 - Feltonsville
Feltonsville, a post-village in Middlesex county, Massachusetts.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Feltonsville, a post-village in Middlesex county, Massachusetts.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1866 - Hudson founded
Hudson was formerly a part of Marlborough, and was known as Feltonville. It was officially incorporated in the year 1866 and named Hudson.
www.citytowninfo.com
Hudson was formerly a part of Marlborough, and was known as Feltonville. It was officially incorporated in the year 1866 and named Hudson.
www.citytowninfo.com
1874 - LOSSES BY FIRE.
A fire in Hudson, Mass., Saturday, destroyed the piano forte manufactory of KOELER & SHAW. The loss is $50,000, insurance $23,000. MR. GEORGE A. CATTING'S house and stable were also burned; loss, $5,000, insurance, $2,500. The business portion of the village was seriously threatened, but the prompt arrival of engines from Marlboro greatly aided in stopping the conflagration. KOELER & SHAW did a large business, and employed 100 hands.
New York Times
New York, New York
July 6, 1874
A fire in Hudson, Mass., Saturday, destroyed the piano forte manufactory of KOELER & SHAW. The loss is $50,000, insurance $23,000. MR. GEORGE A. CATTING'S house and stable were also burned; loss, $5,000, insurance, $2,500. The business portion of the village was seriously threatened, but the prompt arrival of engines from Marlboro greatly aided in stopping the conflagration. KOELER & SHAW did a large business, and employed 100 hands.
New York Times
New York, New York
July 6, 1874
Hudson Massachusetts, 1890
Hudson is an attractive, enterprising and progressive town in the western side of Middlesex County, 28 miles directly west of Boston, on the Massachusetts Central Railroad. Through the midst of the town passes also the Marlborough Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad. The township is wedge-shaped with the thinner edge eastward. Its boundaries on the north are Bolton and Stow; on the east, Sudbury; on the south, Marlborough; and on the west, Berlin. The assessed area is 6,780 acres.
There are nearly 2,000 acres of forest, consisting largely of walnut, chestnut, elm and pine. Mount Assabet, near the centre nearly 200 feet in height, is a favorite resort.
In general, only the borders of the town are hilly, with a nearly level valley along the Assabet River, which runs from southwest to northeast through the centre, then eastward along the northern side. Two considerable brooks come down from Bolton to this stream near the centre; and, farther east, Fort-meadow Brook enters it from... Read MORE...
Hudson is an attractive, enterprising and progressive town in the western side of Middlesex County, 28 miles directly west of Boston, on the Massachusetts Central Railroad. Through the midst of the town passes also the Marlborough Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad. The township is wedge-shaped with the thinner edge eastward. Its boundaries on the north are Bolton and Stow; on the east, Sudbury; on the south, Marlborough; and on the west, Berlin. The assessed area is 6,780 acres.
There are nearly 2,000 acres of forest, consisting largely of walnut, chestnut, elm and pine. Mount Assabet, near the centre nearly 200 feet in height, is a favorite resort.
In general, only the borders of the town are hilly, with a nearly level valley along the Assabet River, which runs from southwest to northeast through the centre, then eastward along the northern side. Two considerable brooks come down from Bolton to this stream near the centre; and, farther east, Fort-meadow Brook enters it from... Read MORE...
1894 - THE DANGEROUS FIRECRACKER.
It Causes a Half-Million Dollar Fire in Hudson, Mass.
HUDSON, Mass., July 4 - Hudson was visited today by the most serious fire in the history of the town. It originated about 3 P. M. in a small building near F. H. Chamberlin's shoe factory, and, fanned by a strong breeze, spread very rapidly in an easterly direction. The following buildings were burned:
Assabet factory, occupied by F. H. Chamberlin; S. Wood & Co.'s block; A. K. Grave's block; Lewis Block and tenement building; Atkinson's boarding house; Frank Brown's residence; one of F. Brigham & Co.'s factories; Manson's block; Peter's store; H. W. Chase's block and tenement building; Cockran's block; the Mansion House; Mongovin's stable; C. E. Holden's block; Hasting's block; Dr. Soule's house; Underwood's block; H. Tower's house; John Fosgate's house, occupied by C. M. Randall.
The following tenants of business blocks were burned out:
H. W. Chase, Dr. Carpenter, R. B. Lewis, Wood & Co., Dr. Cochrane, Mrs. S. A. Holt,... Read MORE...
It Causes a Half-Million Dollar Fire in Hudson, Mass.
HUDSON, Mass., July 4 - Hudson was visited today by the most serious fire in the history of the town. It originated about 3 P. M. in a small building near F. H. Chamberlin's shoe factory, and, fanned by a strong breeze, spread very rapidly in an easterly direction. The following buildings were burned:
Assabet factory, occupied by F. H. Chamberlin; S. Wood & Co.'s block; A. K. Grave's block; Lewis Block and tenement building; Atkinson's boarding house; Frank Brown's residence; one of F. Brigham & Co.'s factories; Manson's block; Peter's store; H. W. Chase's block and tenement building; Cockran's block; the Mansion House; Mongovin's stable; C. E. Holden's block; Hasting's block; Dr. Soule's house; Underwood's block; H. Tower's house; John Fosgate's house, occupied by C. M. Randall.
The following tenants of business blocks were burned out:
H. W. Chase, Dr. Carpenter, R. B. Lewis, Wood & Co., Dr. Cochrane, Mrs. S. A. Holt,... Read MORE...
1895 - Hudson
Hudson, a post-village in Hudson township, Middlesex co., Mass., on the Assabet River, and on the Marlborough Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, about 28 miles W. of Boston, and 17 miles N.E. of Worcester. It has 5 churches, a high school, 3 banks, 2 newspaper offices, a tannery, and manufactures of boots and shoes, gossamers, paper-boxes, lasts, and shoe-machinery. Pop. of the township, 4670.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Hudson, a post-village in Hudson township, Middlesex co., Mass., on the Assabet River, and on the Marlborough Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, about 28 miles W. of Boston, and 17 miles N.E. of Worcester. It has 5 churches, a high school, 3 banks, 2 newspaper offices, a tannery, and manufactures of boots and shoes, gossamers, paper-boxes, lasts, and shoe-machinery. Pop. of the township, 4670.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Hudson, a banking post-village in Hudson township (town), Middlesex co., Mass., on the Assabet River and on the Boston and Maine R., 28 miles W. of Boston. It has manufactures of leather, rubber shoes, and webbing, gossamers, paper boxes, lasts, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5454.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Hudson, a banking post-village in Hudson township (town), Middlesex co., Mass., on the Assabet River and on the Boston and Maine R., 28 miles W. of Boston. It has manufactures of leather, rubber shoes, and webbing, gossamers, paper boxes, lasts, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5454.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Hudson, Massachusetts:
Hudson Historic District: Start your exploration of Hudson by taking a stroll through the historic district. You'll find beautifully preserved homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, which provide a glimpse into the town's past.
Hudson Town Forest: If you're a nature enthusiast, the Hudson Town Forest is a great place for hiking and birdwatching. The trails are well-maintained, making it a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Cellucci Skate & Splash Park: Perfect for families, this park offers both a skate park and a splash pad. Kids can cool off on hot summer days while skateboarders and BMX riders can enjoy the ramps and rails.
Assabet River Rail Trail: This scenic trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. It stretches for miles, offering picturesque views of the Assabet River and surrounding natural beauty.
CJ's Northside Grill: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at CJ's Northside Grill. They serve classic American... Read MORE...
Hudson Historic District: Start your exploration of Hudson by taking a stroll through the historic district. You'll find beautifully preserved homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, which provide a glimpse into the town's past.
Hudson Town Forest: If you're a nature enthusiast, the Hudson Town Forest is a great place for hiking and birdwatching. The trails are well-maintained, making it a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Cellucci Skate & Splash Park: Perfect for families, this park offers both a skate park and a splash pad. Kids can cool off on hot summer days while skateboarders and BMX riders can enjoy the ramps and rails.
Assabet River Rail Trail: This scenic trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. It stretches for miles, offering picturesque views of the Assabet River and surrounding natural beauty.
CJ's Northside Grill: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at CJ's Northside Grill. They serve classic American... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Hudson Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Hudson, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 27 ancestors who were born or died in Hudson.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Hudson, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Hudson.View Them Now
Genealogy Resources for Hudson
Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Hudson
Get TODAY's Amazon Deals NOW!TARIFFS making you CRAZY? Check out Amazon Haul. Get good stuff CHEAP here!


Massachusetts Gift Idea - Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class - Ceramic Mug 15oz
Our 15oz Ceramic Mug is the perfect blend way to show your Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this mug exudes.

Massachusetts Gift t shirt Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt
Are you looking for a t-shirt that's as comfortable as it is stylish? Look no further! Our Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt is the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this shirt exudes.

Massachusetts Gifts - Cranberries, Baked Beans and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! - Ceramic Mug MA
Our Ceramic Mug, Cranberries, Baked Beans, and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! is more than just a beverage holder; it's a piece of art that celebrates the flavors and traditions of the Bay State. So whether you're sipping your morning coffee, evening tea, or a comforting cup of hot cocoa, you can do it with style and a dash of Massachusetts charm. Plus, it's a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine sharing stories about your favorite Massachusetts memories while enjoying a drink from this delightful mug.

Massachusetts Baby Gift - Bay State Baby: Made in MASS, Loved Worldwide! - Baby Short Sleeve Onesie®
Join the Bay State Baby family and let your baby's style shine with a onesie showing that your baby was made in Mass. and is loved worldwide. Because when it comes to dressing your little bundle of joy, nothing beats the perfect blend of comfort, style, and hometown pride!

Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Celebrate Your Bay State Heritage!
Show off your deep-rooted connection to the Bay State with our Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while tracing family history, this ceramic mug is a tribute to the rich heritage of Massachusetts.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for YOUR Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas

Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for YOUR Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/24/2023 8:56:51 AM