It’s Time to Use These Unusual Hudson Valley Structures Again

Now that we know the purpose of these mystery structures that seem to exclusively exist in the Hudson Valley, don't be surprised to start seeing them in use again.

For all its natural beauty, the Hudson Valley also has its fair share of challenges. Luckily, residents have been finding creative ways to take control of many of these less-than-ideal situations for years. That includes the small structures you may see at the base of many local driveways.

Mystery Buildings in the Hudson Valley, NY

Growing up in Ulster County, NY, I'd never seen one of these mystery buildings before. It wasn't until I moved to Newburgh, NY in Orange County that I started spotting them on my ride to work. Now I pass no less than four of these structures daily.

Reason Behind Driveway Mini-Structures

I asked around, and there were a few theories surrounding the reason for the small buildings. It wasn't until I found someone with first hand experience that I finally learned its true purpose. Now that the heavy autumn rain is falling (and snow arriving sooner than we'd like to admit), it's the time of year to start using these structures again.

Homemade Bus Shelters in the Hudson Valley, NY

"My brother built one for his son, mainly for waiting on the school bus", came the answer to my query, and in hindsight, they really couldn't have any other purpose. Four walls, a roof, and a window is all you need to stay dry (and warm) in the early morning hours while you wait for that big yellow bus to turn the corner.

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So the next time you spot something that looks like a combination of a guard post and an outhouse, just know that most likely, there's an eager student inside just hoping they don't ruin their outfit before the bell rings. Maybe it's time you built one, too...