The Hudson Green has been host to three bandstands throughout its history. The first bandstand was constructed around 1880 and was an octagonal gazebo-style bandstand. The second was a roofless platform-type, torn down between 1948 and 1952, probably due to deterioration.

To celebrate the bicentennial of the United States, the city of Hudson proposed the construction of a new bandstand. Originally, the city approached Charles Willetts (1914-1993) about designing the bandstand in 1971, however, the Commission terminated his employment due to a lack of results in 1972. Richard Derr (1923-2003) ultimately became the bandstand’s architect.

In 1973, Burton Morgan (1916-2003) donated $5,000 for the design and construction of the bandstand. A couple months later, a Commission was formed to learn how Hudson residents felt about the construction of a bandstand and the costs of this venture. The Commission consisted of three members of the Questers’ Hudson chapter, one representative from the Hudson Library & Historical Society, one representative from Hudson Antiques, one member of the Hudson Garden Club, and one member of the League for Service. The Commission estimated that construction would cost approximately $20,000 and found that Hudson residents favored the bandstand’s construction by a 3:1 ratio. Then, the Commission reported its findings and presented Derr’s designs to the Township Council Trustees in September 1973. In January 1974, the Trustees approved the bandstand project, and fundraising for the project began a year later.

Construction began in November 1975 and concluded the next summer. Since its construction, the bandstand has served as the venue for various concerts and performances.

Sources: -Hudson Library & Historical Society, walking tour -Hudson Hub: January 30, 1974, p. 6, March 12, 1975, p. 1, November 12, 1975, p.21, May 26, 1976, p.1