I would like to share today news of the death of a dear friend of mine, Hugh Harrison. Hugh was the most gentle person I ever knew. He was a proper English gentleman, with the tea pot ready if you stopped by, royal mementos, and a garden that was meticulously planted so that as time passed during the year there were always flowers blooming.

He was a fabulous artist. He painted watercolors of our neighborhood long before it was the place to be. He illustrated many books, did the artwork for display windows in Manhattan’s finest stones, but was humble enough to continue taking art classes in his 70’s. He could often be seen sketching in the park, or at public meetings he attended.

His heart went out to the cats in the neighborhood. He always had a number of cats, each with their own diet, medicine and realm in his house. They were his friends and he treated them with love.

He was one of the earliest members of the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association. He created the artwork for the stationary, the posters for the Spring Festivals, and painted a large cloth banner that was used for many years to announce the date of the Festival. He was a block captain for over 20 years, giving out leaflets in the neighborhood announcing upcoming events. Hugh was also one of the planners of the first Festivals. At the time, about 40 years ago people did not believe that a Festival could safely be held in the park, but he had faith that it could be. He was correct in his faith, and the Festivals continue today. He exhibited his art in the park, and tried to get others to display theirs as well.

He would attend all the neighborhood and community meetings as well. He would always support the issues that were important to the HPNA, quietly sketching, and giving support to others who might have been more recognized because they were speaking, but he was there aiding them with words of encouragement.

Hugh extended his love of gardening to Hamilton Park. He was responsible for planting many of the memorial trees. He pruned the cherry trees so they would not grow like bushes. He planted many of the plants around the gazebo. He brought plants from his garden to fill in areas that were bare.

I will miss Hugh immensely. I will miss seeing him ride by on his bicycle. I will miss our talks about what is happening in the neighborhood. I will miss seeing what is blooming in his garden. I will miss his dedication to making Hamilton park a better place. I have certainly lost a good friend. Thank you Hugh for always being there for me and the neighborhood.

Janice Monson

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