THE UNION DEBATING SOCIETY

HUDSON,

  COLUMBIA COUNTY, NEW YORK

By Captain Franklin Ellis¹⁵⁹

¹⁸⁷⁸

      The Union Debating Society was the first of those associations for mutual improvement for which the city of Hudson was remarkable during its earlier years. It was commenced in 1786, but its duration is not known.

THE HUDSON FORUM

     The Hudson Forum, a similar association, was established in 1826, and continued until 1840 or later.  The Hon. Henry Hogeboom, Josiah W. Fairfield, Esq., and in fact a large proportion of the prominent men of Hudson were among its members, and participated in its debates.

THE HUDSON ASSOCIATION FOR MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT

     The Hudson Association for Mutual Improvement was organized in 1834.  The following brilliant list is that of its first officers, viz.:  Elisha Jenkins, president; Cyrus Curtiss, Rufus Reed, Joseph D. Monell, James Mellen, vice-presidents; Edwin C. Litchfield, secretary.  It appears to have existed but a short time.