(Excerpted from 1995 morning Call article by Denise Reaman)

HENRY HUDSON

Henry Hudson was Bethlehem’s first African American trash hauler.

Henry Hudson Warner was born in the 1890s to a large family in Atlanta. He migrated to Bethlehem and had four sons with his wife Hattie Warner, (nee Bowers). In 1927 Henry bought met a man selling potatoes from a truck. Henry then bought the truck along with two bags of potatoes for $50 even though he couldn’t drive.

He taught himself to drive on the field next to the Lynn Ave. Bridge, passed his exam at the State Police Barracks on 8th Ave., and started his hauling business. Since there were only a few haulers, he was able to build an impressive route, enabling him to buy a larger truck. He worked from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. hauling residential trash as well as trach from Lehigh University.

Henry originally raised his family in South Bethlehem but eventually purchased land and a house on Walters St., in Bethlehem. Due to his successful business sense, he sold off lots to Ray Butts and Eddie Benets, plus engaged Fred Bowers to work hauling routes as well as his two sons, Hudson and Malloy.

Henry Hudson was well-known in the community and through St. Paul Baptist Church where he held the position of church treasurer. Henry passed on in 1980.